Minister Umahi allegedly sends fresh threat to SOKAPU president over N20bn Mary Habila lawsuit

Minister of Works David Umahi has allegedly sent a fresh WhatsApp warning to SOKAPU President Samuel Tabara Kato over the N20 billion lawsuit tied to the death of nurse Mary Habila, a day after the association first accused him of threatening its leadership.

Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has allegedly issued a fresh warning to the National President of the Southern Kaduna Peoples United Associations (SOKAPU), Engr. Samuel Tabara Kato, amid the escalating controversy surrounding the death of 26-year-old Mary Habila and the N20 billion lawsuit filed against him.

In a WhatsApp message seen by SaharaReporters, a phone number said to belong to Umahi warned Kato not to fear the legal consequences of the lawsuit, while also referencing his recent media engagements, including an interview with CNN.

“Don’t be afraid of the market u purchased. U will hear from legal authorities soonest. Continue another funny conference with CNN,” the message read. “U want 20bn naira over the unfortunate death of someone that u know nothing about. U will get 20bn different suits for a lesson of ur funny life.”

The latest message comes barely a day after SOKAPU publicly accused the minister of threatening its president over the legal action seeking an independent investigation into Habila’s death.

SaharaReporters had reported that at an emergency press conference on Tuesday, SOKAPU alleged that Umahi called Kato via WhatsApp at about 9:39 a.m. on July 28, allegedly saying: “I am David Umahi, the Honourable Minister of Works. I saw your suit against me, you need money right? I will teach you a lesson of your life… I will deal with you!”

SOKAPU condemned the alleged remarks as intimidation aimed at discouraging the association from pursuing legal action, maintaining that its decision to approach the court was a constitutional right, and reiterated its demand for an independent forensic autopsy.

The association called on President Tinubu, the National Assembly, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, the Inspector-General of Police and other security agencies to take note of the alleged threats.

The legal dispute stems from a suit filed at the Kaduna State High Court, marked KDH/KAF/26/2026, seeking a forensic autopsy, fresh police investigation and ₦20 billion in damages over Habila’s death at Umahi’s country home in Uburu, Ebonyi State, on June 27, 2026.