Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has called for comprehensive investigations into controversial deaths across the country, insisting that every suspicious case must be thoroughly examined to ensure justice and accountability.
Falana said the constitutional right to life remains sacrosanct and must be protected at all times, noting that any circumstances surrounding unnatural or questionable deaths should be subjected to rigorous scrutiny by relevant authorities.
Among the cases highlighted by the senior lawyer is the death of Mary Habila, a young woman whose body was discovered on June 27, 2026, in a residence associated with the Minister of Works, David Umahi, in Uburu, Ebonyi State.
Although Umahi has denied any involvement in the incident, maintaining that the deceased died from a medical condition and that the matter was duly reported to the Nigeria Police Force, Falana expressed concern over aspects of the investigation.
He questioned the handling of the scene and criticised the delay in conducting an autopsy, despite reports that police authorities declined requests by the family to release the body.
Falana urged the Inspector-General of Police to assume direct supervision of the investigation and called on the Nigerian Medical Association to ensure that an autopsy is carried out without further delay to establish the exact cause of death.
The rights advocate also raised concerns over the death of Babatunde Dolapo Tanimola, a principal suspect in an alleged fake agency scandal, who was reported to have died in a hotel fire in Abuja in October 2025.
While authorities said the death was verified through hospital and mortuary records as well as interviews with family members, Falana argued that unanswered questions still surround the incident.
He particularly cited reports that the hotel where the fire occurred was later demolished, suggesting that the development had fuelled concerns and warranted a fresh and independent investigation.
He again called on the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force to take charge of the matter.
Osun State Election
Falana further referenced ongoing investigations into politically related killings linked to the forthcoming Osun State governorship election.
According to him, the police have confirmed that several cases are under investigation and that a number of suspects have already been arrested in connection with the incidents.
He urged the Attorney-General of Osun State to ensure the swift prosecution of anyone found culpable, stressing that justice must not be delayed.
The senior lawyer also pointed to existing Coroner Laws in Ebonyi and Osun states, as well as the Federal Capital Territory, which provide for inquests into sudden, violent or suspicious deaths.
He called on civil society organisations and the media to sustain pressure on authorities to ensure transparency and accountability in the handling of such cases.
“The sanctity of human life must be upheld at all times. These deaths must be properly investigated and not allowed to fade into obscurity,” Falana said.
