Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, has called for independent and transparent investigations into what he described as a disturbing pattern of controversial deaths across the country.
In a statement, Falana urged the Inspector-General of Police to take over investigations into the death of Mary Habila, who died under controversial circumstances in a residence linked to the Minister of Works, David Umahi, as well as the reported death of Babatunde Dolapo Tanimola, a key suspect in the alleged fake agency scandal.
He also called for the speedy prosecution of suspects arrested over politically motivated killings ahead of the Osun State governorship election.
Falana said the constitutional right to life places a legal obligation on authorities to thoroughly investigate every suspicious death, regardless of those involved.
He urged the Nigerian Medical Association to facilitate an autopsy on Mary Habila without further delay and expressed concern over reports that the Abuja hotel where Tanimola reportedly died had been demolished.
The senior advocate further reminded authorities that the Coroner Laws in Ebonyi, Osun and the Federal Capital Territory require formal inquests into sudden or suspicious deaths, stressing that transparent investigations and diligent prosecution are essential to restore public confidence in the justice system.
