Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has called on the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to personally take over investigations into the controversial deaths of Mary Habila and Babatunde Dolapo Tanimola, insisting that both cases deserve thorough and independent investigations.
In a statement titled “These Deaths Must Not Be Swept Under the Carpet,” released on Monday, Falana stressed that every suspicious death should be treated as a matter of public interest, noting that the right to life remains 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,” Falana said.
Falana Raises Questions Over Habila’s Death
The senior lawyer expressed concern over the circumstances surrounding the death of Mary Habila, whose body was discovered on June 27, 2026, in a room at the Ebonyi residence of Minister of Works, David Umahi.
While acknowledging that Umahi has denied any wrongdoing and maintained that the incident was reported to the police, Falana argued that several issues surrounding the case still require clarification.
He questioned reports that the minister handled Habila’s phone after her death to communicate with her boyfriend, suggesting that the scene of the incident may have been compromised.
Falana also criticised the delay in conducting an autopsy despite the controversy surrounding the case.
“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.
Calls for Fresh Probe into Tanimola’s Death
Falana also demanded an independent investigation into the death of Babatunde Dolapo Tanimola, who was recently identified by the Presidency as a principal suspect in an alleged fake government agency case.
Although the police previously stated that Tanimola died in a hotel fire in Abuja in October 2025, Falana said several unanswered questions remain.
He expressed concern over the reported demolition of the hotel where the incident occurred, arguing that such an action may have affected efforts to establish the true circumstances surrounding the death.
According to him, the investigation conducted by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) focused on the alleged fake agency and did not address Tanimola’s death.
Supports Probe into Osun Killings
Falana also commended the Nigeria Police Force for investigating suspected politically motivated killings linked to the forthcoming Osun State governorship election.
He urged the Osun State Attorney-General to ensure that all suspects arrested in connection with the killings are prosecuted without delay.
The senior lawyer further reminded authorities that the Coroner Laws in Ebonyi State, Osun State and the Federal Capital Territory require formal inquests into sudden, violent or suspicious deaths.
He also called on the media to continue demanding accountability, insisting that cases involving suspicious deaths must never be ignored.
