Mary Haliba’s naked death: ADC wants Umahi to step aside as Nigerians call for independent inquiry…family plans burial for July 17

By Kingston Magare 15.7.2026
As the controversy surrounding the death of Mary Haliba refuses to go away, the African Democratic Congress, said Nigeria’s minister of works, David Umahi needs to step aside to allow an independent investigation.
Miss Haliba’s naked body was found in Mr. Umahi’s country home in Uburu, Ebonyi State on June 27, sparking a national outrage. According to the ADC the suspicious death needs to be investigated, even as the family of decease are under pressure to bury her on July 17 in Nok Kaduna State her hometown without an autopsy report.
“Every Nigerian life matters. But when a citizen dies in the home of a serving cabinet minister, the matter immediately transcends private tragedy and becomes a question of public accountability. The only acceptable response in a constitutional democracy is a thorough, transparent and independent investigation that commands public confidence,” ADC national publicity secretary, Bolaji Abdulahi said in a statement.
“The least that should be expected is that the Minister, Senator David Umahi, should immediately step aside from office pending the conclusion of an independent investigation.”
The ADC accused President Bola Tinubu of shielding government officials who had been caught in scandals.
Umahi had insisted that there was no wrongdoing in the death Haliba, a 26 years-old who was reported to be his personal physiotherapist.
Nigerians on X social media urged the Tinubu administration to look into the matter because similar incident involving Umhai had happen before.
@Blue Cheese: “Y’all don’t know this man. In Ebonyi State he has so many stories of people dying at his hand.”
@George Freeman: “A lot of women have been crying out online concerning the sexual harassment by Dave Umahi, but Nigerians doesn’t want to take them seriously. Now see the level the matter has gone to. Dave Umahi has a secret of what he’s doing with those women’s because this’s not only for sex.”
@David Ukah: “The case is a walkover for the evil Ebonyi State man because they own the judiciary and the whole investigative office in charge of the investigation.”
@ Chief Owokigbe90: “It is only in Nigeria you will kpai someone and go scot-free because you are in a higher position and nobody can touch you. Only in a crime nation. Law is only meant for the poor in this country.”