Falana urges IGP to probe deaths of Mary Habila, Babatunde Tanimola

Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, has called on the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to take over investigations into the deaths of Mary Habila and Babatunde Tanimola, insisting the cases must be thoroughly investigated.

 

Falana also urged authorities to expedite an autopsy on Habila and ensure transparent investigations into politically motivated killings in Osun State, stressing that suspicious deaths should not be ignored.

 

In a statement titled “These Deaths Must Not Be Swept Under the Carpet,” Falana described the right to life as the most fundamental human right.

 

“The right to life is the most basic human right. Without it, other rights cannot be enjoyed by any person,” he said.

 

Habila was found dead on June 27, 2026, in a room at the country home of the Minister of Works, David Umahi, in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

 

While Umahi has denied any foul play, maintaining that the deceased had a pre-existing medical condition and that the matter was reported to the police, Falana questioned aspects of the handling of the case.

 

He alleged that the scene may have been compromised after the minister reportedly handled the deceased’s phone to speak with her boyfriend.

 

Falana also criticised the delay in conducting an autopsy after the police declined the family’s request to release the body for burial.

 

“The death of any citizen in suspicious circumstances is not a family affair. In view of the controversy surrounding the unfortunate death of Mary Habila, the Inspector-General of Police should take over the investigation. We equally call on the Nigerian Medical Association to ensure that the autopsy is conducted without any further delay,” he said.

 

The senior lawyer also requested an independent investigation into the death of Babatunde Tanimola, recently identified by the Presidency as a principal suspect in the alleged fake government agency scandal.

 

Although police said Tanimola died in a hotel fire in Abuja on October 22, 2025, and confirmed the death through hospital, mortuary and burial records, Falana argued that questions surrounding the incident remain unresolved.

 

He expressed concern over reports that the hotel where the fire allegedly occurred was later demolished.

 

“Whoever authorised the demolition of the hotel must have set out to cover up the alleged fire incident,” he said.

 

Falana maintained that the Inspector-General should investigate the matter since the ongoing Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) probe into the fake agency does not cover the circumstances surrounding Tanimola’s death.

 

The senior advocate also welcomed the police decision to investigate alleged politically motivated killings ahead of the August 15 Osun State governorship election and urged the Osun State Attorney-General to ensure suspects are prosecuted promptly.

 

He further reminded authorities that the Coroner Laws of Ebonyi State, Osun State and the Federal Capital Territory require inquests into sudden, violent or suspicious deaths.

 

“The media should therefore join the demand for the investigation of the aforementioned cases of suspicious deaths. They must not be swept under the carpet,” Falana added.