Falana Urges IGP to Investigate Habila and Tanimola Deaths

Femi Falana, a human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, has called on Inspector General of Police Olatunji Disu to take over the investigations into the controversial deaths of Mary Habila and Babatunde Tanimola. Falana warned that these cases must not be overlooked and demanded a prompt autopsy for Habila, who was found dead and unclothed on June 27, 2026, at the home of Minister of Works David Umahi in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area, Ebonyi State.

Despite Umahi's denial of foul play, citing Habila's pre-existing medical condition, Falana criticized the police's handling of the situation and the delay in conducting an autopsy. He also called for an independent investigation into Tanimola's death, which occurred in a hotel fire in Abuja on October 22, 2025.

Falana noted that Tanimola was identified by the Presidency as a principal suspect in a case involving a fake government agency, and he argued that the police should take over the investigation since it was not included in the terms of reference for the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission.