Works Minister David Umahi recently shared his perspective regarding the tragic passing of Mary Habila, a nurse employed at the David Umahi Federal University of Medical Sciences in Uburu. Habila, who had lived within a guesthouse on the minister’s property for three years, passed away on June 27, 2026. Umahi emphasized his close, fatherly relationship with the deceased.
Clarifying the timeline of events, the minister stated that Habila had been conversing with her boyfriend on the night of her death, mentioning symptoms of a nosebleed. After the call ended abruptly, subsequent attempts to reach her failed. The following morning, colleagues discovered her body after forcing entry into her locked room, where they found the water tap still running.
Umahi noted that while he and his legal team have urged the family to permit an autopsy to determine the cause of death, the family has refused based on cultural traditions. The minister has formally reported the case to the Inspector-General of Police, requesting that the investigation be moved to Abuja. He confirmed that Habila had been undergoing treatment for a private medical condition at the Turkish Hospital in Abuja, with his family covering the costs, including a recent payment of N2.2 million.
Addressing the public, the minister expressed frustration over rumors and attempts to politicize the tragedy. He has instructed his legal team to pursue action against those spreading misinformation online, citing the laws surrounding cyberbullying. Umahi maintains there is no evidence of foul play, as the room was locked from the inside.
