Minister Confirms Mary Habila Was a Nurse, Not a Physiotherapist
Minister of Works David Umahi has publicly identified Mary Habila, the woman who died at a guest house within his residence in Uburu, Ebonyi State, on June 27, 2026. Speaking to journalists on Thursday, July 16, Umahi corrected earlier media reports that described Habila as a physiotherapist, clarifying that she was a nurse attached to the David Umahi Federal University of Medical Sciences, Uburu.
“The lady in question was like a daughter to me. She had stayed with me for three years. She was a staff of the Federal Medical University. She was a nurse and not a physiotherapist,” Umahi stated.
Details of the Night of Her Death
Umahi recounted the events leading to Habila’s death. On the night of June 27, Habila telephoned her boyfriend and reported a nosebleed. The boyfriend advised her to inform her superior, and she indicated the bleeding had subsided. According to Umahi, “The boyfriend then said he would not continue talking so the bleeding would not get worse. She begged him not to cut the call. He did. Three minutes later he called back. She was no longer picking.”
The following morning, colleagues who could not reach Habila forced open her room door. “When they broke the door, they found her dead. The tap was still running. I think she wanted to have her bath,” the minister said.
Autopsy Request Rejected by Family on Cultural Grounds
Umahi disclosed that he instructed his lawyers to request an autopsy to determine the cause of death, but Habila’s family declined, citing cultural reasons. “We told our lawyer that autopsy should be done. We are begging the parents to allow it. They said it is against their culture,” he said. He added that he has directed that the body not be moved until the procedure is carried out.
The minister also revealed that the matter has been reported to the Inspector-General of Police and that he requested the investigation be transferred to Abuja to ensure impartiality.
Medical History and Expenses Covered by Umahi’s Family
Umahi further stated that Habila had been receiving treatment for an undisclosed medical condition at Turkish Hospital, Abuja, with expenses covered by his family. The most recent payment, made on April 5, amounted to N2.2 million. He confirmed that her medical records remain accessible at the hospital.
Minister Dismisses Political Motives, Threatens Cyberbullying Charges
Umahi expressed frustration over what he described as attempts to politicise the incident. “What baffles me is that everything becomes politics in this country. Must the minister be held responsible because somebody died in a guest house under the Ministry of Works? Is that how it works?” he asked. He maintained that nothing about the circumstances suggests foul play, noting that her door was locked from the inside and had to be forced open. “We are going to test the law on cyberbullying over this matter,” he added.
Background: Calls for Umahi to Step Aside
Previously, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar called on President Bola Tinubu to direct Umahi to step aside while authorities investigate Habila’s death. Atiku criticised the Tinubu administration for remaining silent for nearly two weeks after the incident, with no official acknowledgement from the presidency, the Inspector-General of Police, or the Federal Executive Council until the story was brought to public attention by an online news outlet.
