Sowore Kicks Against Burial Service For Physiotherapist Found Dead In Umahi’s House
The 2027 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has opposed the planned burial of 26-year-old physiotherapist, Mary Habila, who was found dead under controversial circumstances at the residence of the Minister of Works, David Umahi, insisting that all forensic and legal investigations must be concluded before she is laid to rest.
Sowore made the demand after Habila's family announced that her funeral service would hold on Friday, July 17, 2026, at the Deeper Life Bible Church in Nok, Jaba Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The late physiotherapist, popularly known as Mara, reportedly died at Umahi's official residence in Uburu, Ebonyi State, on June 27. Reports which claimed that her body was found naked after it was removed from the minister's quarters have continued to trigger public outrage and calls for transparency.
Reacting to the burial plans, Sowore called for a coroner's inquest into the circumstances surrounding her death, arguing that unresolved questions surrounding the incident make an early burial inappropriate.
"There MUST be a coroner's inquest into the death of Mary Habila at the residence of Tinubu's Minister of Works, David Umahi," Sowore said.
He added, "Given the mysterious manner of her death and unanswered questions about the circumstances of her presence at the Minister's home, it is in the interest of justice that all appropriate investigative and forensic procedures, including, where required by law, an autopsy and any other relevant inquiries, be completed before Mary Habila is buried. Any attempt at hurried burial by her family must be resisted."
Sowore further claimed that "Mary Habila died with blood flowing from her mouth, which suggests that her death is unnatural," while also referencing previous allegations involving the minister.
"There have been several allegations of mysterious deaths surrounding Umahi, including those of 5 NELAN Engineers that remain unsolved to date," he alleged.
Habila's family, in a funeral announcement, disclosed that she was born on September 18, 2000, and died at the age of 26. The family said relatives, friends, colleagues, church members and sympathisers are expected to attend the funeral service in her hometown of Nok.
Meanwhile, police have maintained that an autopsy will be conducted as part of ongoing investigations to establish the exact cause and circumstances of her death.
Umahi had earlier confirmed that Habila died at his residence, describing her as a physiotherapist seconded from the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences to the Federal Ministry of Works.
The minister has denied any wrongdoing and said he personally requested a comprehensive autopsy to determine the cause of death. He has also urged the public to allow investigators to complete their work and threatened legal action against individuals he accused of spreading false information about the incident.