David Umahi Reacts to Mary Habila’s Death, Denies Cover-Up Allegations

By Reporter

Minister of Works David Umahi has dismissed allegations of a cover-up following the death of physiotherapist Mary Habila, who was found dead in a staff chalet within the premises of his residence in Uburu, Ebonyi State, saying an autopsy has been ordered to determine the cause of death.

Speaking in a video circulating on social media, Umahi said Habila was a physiotherapist at the David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital who had been seconded to the Federal Ministry of Works for official duties. He explained that another physiotherapist from the same hospital was also attached to the ministry, stressing that both women were government employees and not private visitors to his residence.

The minister rejected claims circulating online about the circumstances surrounding Habila’s death, accusing some individuals of spreading false information and exploiting the tragedy. He added that his legal team had been instructed to take action against those he alleged deliberately misrepresented the incident.

According to Umahi, Habila was discovered after colleagues forced open the door to her room when she failed to respond. He said medical personnel were immediately summoned and attempted to revive her before she was taken to the hospital, where she was confirmed dead.

He maintained that the incident was promptly reported to both the police and the hospital by Habila’s family, insisting there was no attempt to conceal what had happened. He also confirmed that he directed authorities to conduct an autopsy to establish the exact cause of death.

Umahi’s response follows the emergence of details contained in an affidavit filed before the Ebonyi State High Court by Habila’s colleague, Anita Baaki.

In the affidavit, Baaki, a physiotherapist from Benue State, said she travelled with Habila and other Federal Ministry of Works officials from Abuja to Ebonyi State on June 24, 2026, for an official assignment involving the minister.

She stated that the team was accommodated in adjoining rooms at a staff chalet within Umahi’s country home in Uburu, describing the facility as accommodation for ministry personnel and associates rather than the minister’s private residence.

Baaki said she last saw Habila on the evening of June 26 after she returned from having her hair done. The two colleagues spent some time together before Habila retired to her room for the night.

According to the affidavit, concern was raised the following morning after Habila failed to leave her room and did not answer repeated phone calls. When knocks on the door also went unanswered and the room remained locked from the inside, staff members searched the premises before forcing the door open.

Baaki said Habila was found unconscious near the entrance of the room and was rushed to the David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital, where doctors confirmed she was dead on arrival. She noted that the affidavit was made voluntarily to assist investigators.

Meanwhile, the Ebonyi State Police Command has transferred the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department for a full investigation.

Police Public Relations Officer SP Joshua Ukandu said the Divisional Police Officer notified the Commissioner of Police after visiting the hospital, leading to the commencement of a comprehensive investigation.

According to the police, preliminary findings indicate that Habila and another physiotherapist were members of the medical team attached to the Minister of Works and had accompanied him to Uburu, where she later died in a room within the compound of his residence.