UBURU, Nigeria — The sudden death of Mary Habila, a physiotherapist, at the Uburu, Ebonyi State, country home of David Umahi, the Minister of Works, has stirred confusion, public speculation and calls for clarity over the circumstances of her passing.
The Mary Habila death controversy deepened after reports questioned the circumstances surrounding the incident, prompting Umahi’s media office to issue a social media statement on Saturday, July 11, 2026, urging the public to avoid speculation while authorities review the matter.
In the statement, signed by Francis Nwaze, the minister’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Umahi’s office said the minister received the news of Habila’s death with shock and sadness and had conveyed condolences to her family.
“The Honourable Minister received the news with profound shock and sadness and has since extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family,” the statement said.
Public Speculation Follows Mary Habila Death
Habila’s death drew attention after questions emerged about what happened at the Uburu residence.
Some public commentary had described the incident as unclear, while Umahi’s office rejected suggestions that the matter was being hidden from public scrutiny.
“The attention of the Media Office of the Honourable Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Nweze Umahi, has been drawn to a publication by a publication concerning the unfortunate passing of Miss Mary Habila in Uburu, Ebonyi State, alleging that the circumstances surrounding her death were shrouded in secrecy,” the statement said.
Nwaze said emergency steps were taken immediately after the incident, including contacting medical personnel and notifying the police.
“For the avoidance of doubt, immediately the unfortunate incident occurred, appropriate emergency steps were taken,” the statement said.
“Medical personnel, including the Chief Medical Director of the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, Uburu, were contacted without delay, while the Nigeria Police was promptly notified in accordance with the law.”
Umahi Seeks Autopsy to Establish Cause of Death
According to the statement, Umahi later received Habila’s parents, offered his condolences and advised that an autopsy be carried out to establish the exact cause of death.
The family, the statement said, declined the recommendation at the time.
“Following confirmation of Miss Habila’s passing, the Honourable Minister personally received her parents, conveyed his sincere condolences, and advised that an autopsy be conducted to scientifically establish the exact cause of death. At the time, however, the family declined the recommendation,” the statement said.
Nwaze said Umahi had renewed his call for an autopsy in light of the public reaction to the case.
“Following the recent developments and in the interest of ensuring that the truth is established beyond doubt, the Honourable Minister has again reiterated his position that an autopsy must be conducted,” the statement said.
“He remains convinced that this is the most credible and responsible path to resolving all questions surrounding the unfortunate incident.”
Minister’s Office Identifies Habila as Physiotherapist
The statement identified Habila as an employee of the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, Uburu.
It said she and Anita Baski had been on secondment to the Federal Ministry of Works as physiotherapists for three years.
“It is important to clarify that Miss Mary Habila and Miss Anita Baski are employees of the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, Uburu, who had been on secondment to the Federal Ministry of Works as physiotherapists for the past three years until the unfortunate passing of Miss Habila,” the statement said.
Umahi’s office did not give further details on what immediately preceded Habila’s death.
The statement urged members of the public to allow the relevant authorities to carry out their work without interference.
“We therefore urge the public to exercise restraint, refrain from speculation or premature conclusions, and allow the relevant authorities to carry out their responsibilities without interference,” it said.
“At this difficult time, our thoughts and prayers remain with the family of the deceased, and we pray that God grants them the strength to bear this irreparable loss.”
