Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, has urged Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu to take over investigations into the deaths of Mary Habila and Babatunde Tanimola.
Falana said the circumstances surrounding both deaths warrants thorough and independent investigations, urging the police to ensure the cases were not “swept under the carpet.”
He also called for a speedy autopsy to determine the cause of Habila’s death and a separate investigation into the circumstances surrounding Tanimola’s reported death in a hotel fire.
Habila was reportedly found dead and unclothed on June 27, 2026, inside a room at the country home of the Minister of Works, David Umahi, in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
The circumstances surrounding her death have attracted public attention, particularly because her body was reportedly discovered at the minister’s residence.
Umahi has denied any wrongdoing, saying Habila had an existing medical condition and that the incident was reported to the police.
However, Falana questioned aspects of the handling of the case, particularly the delay in conducting an autopsy that could help establish the cause and circumstances of Habila’s death.
The senior lawyer also criticized the Nigeria Police Force for rejecting a request by Habila’s father for the release of her remains for burial without, according to him, first ensuring that an appropriate forensic examination was conducted.
Falana said Habila’s family deserved clarity on what happened to her, arguing that suspicious deaths should not be treated as private matters when the circumstances raise legitimate questions of public interest.
He urged the police leadership to ensure that an autopsy was conducted without further delay and that its findings were made available through a transparent investigative process.
Falana also called for an independent investigation into the death of Tanimola, whose name became prominent in connection with an alleged fake government agency.
The Presidency had reportedly identified Tanimola as a principal suspect in the alleged establishment of the fake agency.
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According to Falana, the police had previously reported that Tanimola died in a hotel fire in Abuja on October 22, 2025.
The lawyer, however, argued that the circumstances surrounding Tanimola’s death should be investigated separately from the corruption-related probe into the alleged fake agency.
Falana said the terms of reference of the investigation being conducted by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission did not specifically cover the circumstances surrounding Tanimola’s death.
He therefore urged Disu to immediately take over the investigation and establish whether the reported hotel fire fully explains the circumstances of Tanimola’s death.
Falana’s intervention comes amid broader concerns over transparency in cases involving suspicious deaths, particularly where influential individuals, government officials or politically sensitive circumstances are involved.
He also called for transparent investigations into politically motivated killings in Osun State, stressing that the identity or status of individuals connected to a case should not determine whether justice is pursued.
The senior lawyer maintained that every suspicious death deserved a thorough and independent investigation capable of establishing the facts and providing answers to grieving families.
He urged the police to demonstrate professionalism and independence in handling the cases, saying Nigerians must have confidence that controversial deaths would be properly investigated rather than abandoned without satisfactory explanations.
The call also highlights the importance of forensic evidence, including autopsies, in resolving disputed or unexplained deaths.
For Habila’s family, the immediate priority remains determining how she died and what happened before her body was discovered.
Falana’s intervention is seeking accountability and a transparent process through which the relevant authorities can establish the facts surrounding both deaths.
The allegations and concerns raised by Falana remain subject to investigation. Findings by the police or other relevant authorities are expected to clarify the circumstances of the deaths and determine whether any criminal wrongdoing occurred.
