By Abigail David
Minister of Works David Umahi has spoken publicly about the death of his staff member, Mary Habila, describing her as “like a daughter” and urging her family to allow an autopsy to determine the cause of death.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, Umahi said Habila, a nurse employed by the Federal University of Health Sciences, Ebonyi State, had worked closely with him for about three years. He said she had a history of medical challenges and that he had supported her treatment, including at a private hospital.
The minister said he had seen no evidence of foul play but stressed that investigations should continue. According to him, Habila reportedly complained of a nosebleed during a phone conversation with her boyfriend shortly before she was found unresponsive in a guest house. He said the room was locked and had to be forced open.
Umahi appealed to the deceased’s family to permit an autopsy, saying he had directed that her body should not be released for burial until the procedure is carried out. He also disclosed that he had requested the Inspector-General of Police to transfer the investigation to Abuja to ensure a thorough inquiry.
The minister criticised speculation surrounding the incident and urged the public to allow investigators to establish the facts.
Police investigations into the circumstances of Habila’s death are ongoing, while an autopsy has yet to be conducted because of reported objections from her family on cultural grounds.
