Minister Umahi Responds to Nurse's Death Allegations
David Umahi, Nigeria's Minister of Works and a trusted ally of President Bola Tinubu, has publicly addressed the death of Mary Habila, a nurse who died at his residence in Ebonyi State. Speaking on Sunday, July 12, 2026, during an inspection of the Calabar–Ebonyi–Benue–Nasarawa–Abuja superhighway, Umahi dismissed claims that the circumstances of her passing were being concealed.
Family Raised Alarm, Says Umahi
According to a report by NAN, Umahi clarified that it was Habila's own family who raised the alarm after becoming worried about her welfare. They forced open her room and contacted medical personnel. Umahi stated: "The family broke the girl's door, called doctors from DUFUTH, who took her to hospital and did everything to revive her, but failed." He added that the family reported the matter to the police, questioning the notion of secrecy.
Autopsy Ordered with Family Consent
Umahi confirmed that he had instructed an autopsy to determine the cause of death, emphasizing that it would only proceed with the approval of Habila's parents, who are currently in Ebonyi State. He described Habila as a committed staff member of the David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital (DUFUTH) and rejected misleading narratives circulating about the incident.
Legal Action Against Misinformation Spreaders
The minister disclosed that he has tasked his legal team with pursuing action against individuals accused of spreading falsehoods regarding Habila's death. He also stated that the deceased's parents would speak to journalists and initiate their own legal proceedings against those propagating alleged misinformation. Umahi stressed that the police were informed immediately after the incident, pushing back against any characterization of the case as suspicious or improperly handled.
