Minister of Works David Umahi has publicly addressed the controversy surrounding the death of Mary Habila, a nurse at the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, firmly rejecting allegations linking him to the incident and insisting there was no foul play.
Speaking during a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday, the former Ebonyi State governor described Habila’s death as a personal tragedy, saying she was treated like a member of his family and accusing critics of exploiting the incident for political purposes.
The minister’s remarks come amid growing public scrutiny following Habila’s death at his Ebonyi residence, with opposition figures, civil society organisations and members of the public calling for an independent and transparent investigation.
“She Was Family, Not Just a Staff Member”
Umahi dismissed claims circulating on social media, saying the late nurse had lived with his family for about three years and enjoyed a close relationship with them.
He clarified that Habila was a registered nurse employed by the Federal University of Health Sciences, contrary to reports identifying her as a physiotherapist.
According to the minister, her death came as a painful shock because of the bond she shared with his household.
“She was like a daughter to me. She stayed with my family for about three years. In fact, she was one of our best workers, and losing her has been deeply painful,” he said.
Reveals Medical History, Says He Funded Treatment Abroad
Umahi disclosed that Habila had been battling an underlying medical condition long before her death and had received treatment at a hospital in Turkey on multiple occasions.
He revealed that he personally financed her latest medical trip in April, paying ₦2.2 million for her treatment.
According to him, documentary evidence and medical records from the Turkish hospital are available and could assist investigators.
The minister maintained that her health challenges were known to those close to her and should form part of any objective investigation into her death.
Last Phone Call Before Her Death
Giving his account of the events preceding Habila’s death, Umahi said investigators were informed that she had been speaking with her boyfriend shortly before the incident.
According to him, Habila reportedly complained during the conversation that she was bleeding from her nose.
He said the boyfriend allegedly advised her to seek medical attention and ended the call after urging her not to continue talking because of the bleeding.
Umahi stated that the boyfriend later attempted to reach her again but received no response.
He added that investigators also learned she had earlier told her boyfriend she intended to take a bath before communication with her ceased.
The minister called on investigators to obtain the phone records of both Habila and her boyfriend to verify the sequence of events.
Family Yet To Approve Autopsy
Umahi disclosed that efforts to conduct an autopsy have stalled because Habila’s family has reportedly declined consent, citing cultural beliefs.
According to him, despite the family’s reservations, he has instructed his legal team to insist on a post-mortem examination before the body is released for burial.
He said the matter has also been referred to the Inspector-General of Police, with a request for the investigation to be transferred to Abuja.
“We have directed that the body should not be released until an autopsy is conducted. We are appealing to the family to cooperate so the actual cause of death can be established,” he said.
Rejects Allegations, Warns Against Politicising Death
The minister strongly criticised attempts to implicate him in Habila’s death, describing the allegations as politically motivated and insensitive.
He questioned why some individuals had concluded there was foul play simply because the incident occurred within a government guest house linked to him.
According to Umahi, holding him personally responsible without evidence was unfair and ignored the facts already available to investigators.
He maintained that he had no reason to harm someone he regarded as family.
Plans Legal Action Over Online Publications
Umahi also condemned the circulation of photographs and reports relating to Habila’s death, alleging that misleading information was deliberately leaked to the media.
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He claimed the images were taken after her body had been moved to the mortuary and accused those responsible of damaging the family’s reputation.
The minister disclosed that he had instructed his lawyers to commence legal action against individuals he accused of cyberbullying and spreading false narratives about the incident.
While reiterating his confidence in the ongoing police investigation, Umahi urged Nigerians to allow security agencies to determine the actual circumstances surrounding Habila’s death based on evidence rather than speculation.
He ended the briefing by expressing condolences to Habila’s family and praying for the repose of her soul.