Fresh details have emerged regarding the death of Mary Habila, a physiotherapist who died under unclear circumstances at the country residence of Nigeria’s Minister of Works, David Umahi, in Uburu, Ebonyi State.
According to findings, Habila was reportedly found unclothed when her body was removed from the minister’s residence. Authorities are continuing investigations to determine the exact circumstances surrounding her death.
Earlier, Minister Umahi confirmed that Habila died at his residence, stating that she was a physiotherapist seconded from the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences to the Federal Ministry of Works.
However, police sources involved in the investigation have reportedly questioned that explanation. They alleged that Habila and another woman, Anita Baski, travelled from Kaduna State to Ebonyi on June 26 and arrived at the minister’s residence the same day. Habila was reportedly found unresponsive the following morning.
Investigators also alleged that a police officer serving as Umahi’s personal assistant was responsible for bringing the two women to the residence and later alerted medical personnel after Habila was discovered unconscious.
The incident has sparked public concern, particularly over the reported secondment of university hospital staff to a private residence.
Umahi, through his media aide, expressed sadness over Habila’s death, saying medical personnel and the police were immediately contacted after the incident. He also stated that he advised the family to approve an autopsy to determine the cause of death, but claimed they initially declined.
The case has since been transferred from the Ohaozara Divisional Police Headquarters to the Ebonyi State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation.
Authorities are yet to officially establish the cause of death, while calls for a transparent and thorough investigation continue.
