The presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) for the 2027 general election and publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore, has called for a coroner’s inquest into the death of Mary Habila, who reportedly died at the residence of the Minister of Works, David Umahi.
In a statement on his social media page, Sowore said the circumstances surrounding Habila’s death require a thorough, transparent, and independent investigation before her burial.
He argued that, given what he described as the mysterious nature of her death and unanswered questions surrounding her presence at the minister’s residence, all appropriate investigative and forensic procedures should be completed before her remains are laid to rest.
According to Sowore, where required by law, an autopsy and every other relevant inquiry should be conducted to establish the actual cause of death.
He also urged the authorities to ensure that no burial takes place until the necessary investigations have been concluded, alleging that Habila reportedly died with blood flowing from her mouth, which he claimed suggested an unnatural death.
Sowore further referenced previous allegations concerning the deaths of five NELAN engineers, describing the cases as unresolved and calling for a comprehensive investigation into Habila’s death in the interest of justice.
The human right activist, however, did not provide evidence linking those cases to the present incident.
The AAC presidential candidate maintained that a coroner’s inquest would help establish the facts surrounding the death and strengthen public confidence in the investigative process.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the Minister of Works, David Umahi, nor relevant law enforcement authorities had publicly responded to Sowore’s latest call for a coroner’s inquest.
The cause of Mary Habila’s death has not been officially established, and no competent authority has announced any findings indicating criminal liability. Investigations by the appropriate authorities are expected to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
