David Umahi, Nigeria's Minister of Works, has publicly addressed reports concerning the alleged death of a nurse, Mary Habila, at his residence in Ebonyi State, firmly dismissing allegations that the incident was handled in secrecy. Speaking during an inspection of ongoing work along the Ebonyi section of the Calabar–Ebonyi–Benue–Nasarawa–Abuja Superhighway, Umahi provided a detailed account of the events, asserting that the matter was promptly reported to the police and that an autopsy has been ordered with the consent of the deceased's parents.
Family Forced Open Door, Says Umahi
According to Umahi, it was Habila's family who forced open her room after becoming concerned about her wellbeing. They then called doctors from the David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital (DUFUTH), who transported her to the hospital and made every effort to revive her, but unfortunately failed. “The family broke the girl’s door, called doctors from DUFUTH, who took her to hospital and did everything to revive her, but failed,” Umahi stated. “The family reported the matter to the police, so where is the secrecy?”
Autopsy Ordered with Parental Consent
The minister emphasized that he has directed an autopsy to be carried out with the full consent of Habila’s parents to determine the exact cause of death. He described Habila as a dedicated employee of DUFUTH and noted that her parents, currently in Ebonyi State, will address journalists and also pursue legal action against individuals circulating what he called false allegations.
Legal Action Against Spreading False Reports
Umahi also announced that he has instructed his lawyers to begin legal proceedings against those spreading what he described as false reports about the nurse’s death. He reiterated that the incident was not handled in secrecy, as the family and police were involved from the outset. The minister's comments come amid widespread speculation and unverified claims on social media regarding the circumstances of Habila's death.
