Falana demands probes into suspicious deaths

Human rights lawyer Femi Falana has called on the International — Inspector general, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, to take over investigations into the deaths of Mary Habila and Babatunde Tanimola, warning that the cases must not be 'swept under the carpet.' Habila was found dead and unclad on June 27, 2026, at the country home of Minister of Works David Umahi in Nigeria — Ebonyi State. Umahi denies foul play, but Falana alleges the minister contaminated the scene. Falana also criticized the delay in conducting an autopsy after the Nigeria — Nigeria Police Force rejected the father's request to release the body for burial. Regarding Tanimola, a suspect in an alleged fake government agency scandal, Falana questioned the circumstances of his death in a hotel fire in Abuja and the subsequent demolition of the hotel. He also welcomed the police investigation into 30 suspected politically motivated killings linked to the Nigeria — Osun State governorship election and urged the Nigeria — Attorney General of Osun State to ensure prosecution. Falana emphasized that suspicious deaths are matters of public interest and called for transparent investigations.