Solomon Dalung, the former Minister of Youth and Sports Development, is urging for an impartial and open investigation into the passing of Mary Habila. Habila, a staff member, passed away at the Uburu, Ebonyi State home of Works Minister Senator David Umahi. Dalung articulated his position via social media, emphasizing that the focus should remain on institutional integrity and public accountability rather than specific individuals.
Dalung highlighted a document allegedly sworn by the victim’s father, which states the family intends to drop the matter. However, the former minister questioned the legitimacy of halting an inquiry into an unexplained death. He argued that criminal investigations serve the public interest and the State, not just the bereaved family, and should proceed if suspicious elements exist.
A significant portion of Dalung’s concern involves Habila’s employment status. Reports suggest she was a nurse assigned to the minister, and he questioned if she was a federal employee and how such a placement was authorized. He called for clear answers regarding whether public resources or personnel were utilized in a private capacity. To address the situation, Dalung proposed that only an independent probe could generate findings worthy of public trust.
For context, Mary Habila was affiliated with the David Umahi Federal University of Medical Sciences and was working on secondment at the Federal Ministry of Works when she died on June 27, 2026. Senator Umahi has since asked the Nigeria Police Force to perform a forensic autopsy and has requested that the deceased’s body be withheld from burial until the inquiry is finalized.
