***Says right to life must be protected through transparent investigations
Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has called for fresh and transparent investigations into a series of controversial deaths across the country, warning that any attempt to conceal the truth would undermine the rule of law and public confidence in Nigeria’s justice system.
Falana said every suspicious death deserves a thorough, impartial and timely investigation, stressing that the constitutional right to life cannot be protected if questionable deaths are allowed to go unresolved.
In a statement on Monday, the senior lawyer cited the cases of Mary Habila, who died under disputed circumstances in June at a residence linked to the Minister of Works, David Umahi, and Babatunde Dolapo Tanimola, a key suspect in the alleged “fake agency” scandal who reportedly died in a hotel fire in Abuja in October 2025.
He also drew attention to politically motivated killings linked to the forthcoming Osun State governorship election, insisting that authorities must ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
According to Falana, Section 33 of the 1999 Constitution and Article 4 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights impose a clear obligation on the state to protect life and investigate any suspected unlawful deprivation of life.
On the death of Mary Habila, Falana expressed concern over the handling of the investigation, particularly the delay in conducting an autopsy despite the family’s request to recover her body.
He urged the Inspector-General of Police to assume control of the investigation and called on the Nigerian Medical Association to ensure that an autopsy is conducted without further delay to establish the cause of death.
Falana also questioned the circumstances surrounding the reported death of Tanimola, expressing concern over reports that the hotel where the fatal fire allegedly occurred had since been demolished.
He said such developments warrant closer scrutiny and called on the police authorities to reopen the investigation to eliminate any doubts surrounding the incident.
Turning to Osun State, the senior advocate welcomed ongoing police investigations into election-related killings but urged the state’s Attorney-General to ensure that suspects are promptly prosecuted before the High Court.
Falana further reminded authorities that Coroner Laws operating in states such as Ebonyi and Osun, as well as in the Federal Capital Territory, require inquests into sudden, violent or suspicious deaths.
He called on civil society organisations and the media to sustain pressure for accountability, insisting that justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done.
“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.