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 is sacrosanct and must be protected at all times, stressing that all unnatural or questionable deaths should be subjected to rigorous investigation by the relevant authorities.
Among the cases he highlighted is the death of Mary Habila, 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, maintaining that Habila died from a medical condition and that the incident was reported to the Nigeria Police Force, Falana questioned aspects of the investigation. He criticised the handling of the scene and expressed concern over the delay in conducting an autopsy despite reports that the police declined requests by the family to release the body.
The senior lawyer called on the Inspector-General of Police to personally supervise the investigation and urged the Nigerian Medical Association to ensure that an autopsy is conducted without further delay to establish the exact cause of death.
Falana also raised concerns over the death of Babatunde Dolapo Tanimola, a principal suspect in an alleged fake agency scandal who reportedly died in a hotel fire in Abuja in October 2025.
While authorities said the death was confirmed through hospital and mortuary records, as well as interviews with family members, Falana maintained that unanswered questions remain. He cited reports that the hotel where the fire occurred was later demolished, arguing that the development had heightened public concern and justified a fresh, independent investigation.
He again urged the Inspector-General of Police to take direct charge of the case.
The human rights advocate further referenced ongoing investigations into politically related killings linked to the forthcoming Osun State governorship election, noting that the police have confirmed the arrest of several suspects.
Falana called on the Attorney-General of Osun State to ensure the prompt prosecution of anyone found culpable, stressing that justice must not be delayed.
He also pointed to the Coroner Laws in Ebonyi and Osun states, as well as the Federal Capital Territory, which provide for inquests into sudden, violent or suspicious deaths.
Falana urged civil society organisations and the media to continue demanding transparency and accountability from the authorities.
“The sanctity of human life must be upheld at all times. These deaths must be properly investigated and not allowed to fade into obscurity,” he said.
