By Sani Idris Abdulrahman

The Northern Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has called for the immediate suspension, interrogation, and prosecution of Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, over the death of 26-year-old physiotherapist, Mary Habila.

In a statement on Wednesday in Kaduna by NYCN by National President, Isah Abubakar, he described the circumstances surrounding Habila's death as "highly suspicious" and demanded a transparent criminal investigation.

Newsmen report that reports, indicated that Habila died inside Umahi's private residence in Uburu, Ebonyi State.

Abubakar said under such circumstances, there is a need for urgent and impartial scrutiny surrounding Habila's death.

The NYCN also cited reports alleging that the deceased was found lifeless with visible injuries, arguing that such claims warrant a thorough investigation by relevant authorities.

The council maintained that any death occurring in the residence of a high-ranking public official should automatically trigger immediate police questioning and an independent criminal inquiry.

Among its demands, the NYCN urged President Bola Tinubu to suspend Umahi from office to prevent any possibility of interference with investigations.

The council also called on the Nigeria Police Force to invite the minister for questioning, insisting that justice should be applied equally regardless of political status.

In addition, the group demanded an independent and transparent autopsy, monitored by international observers, to establish the exact cause of Mary Habila's death.

The NYCN said investigations should determine whether there were signs of physical assault, sexual violence, or forced substance ingestion before any conclusions are reached.

The council issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to suspend Umahi and commence what it described as a credible and uncompromised investigative process.

It warned that failure to meet its demands would trigger continuous nationwide protests in collaboration with civil society organisations and youth groups across Nigeria.

The planned demonstrations, according to the statement, would take place in Abuja, Kaduna, and Ebonyi State until the council's demands are addressed.

The NYCN expressed solidarity with the family of Mary Habila, insisting that the case must be thoroughly investigated and justice served.