The investigation into the death of Mary Habila, a physiotherapist associated with the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences (DUFUHS), has entered a new phase as detectives in Ebonyi State continue efforts to establish what happened before her death.
Habila died after being found unconscious at the Uburu residence of Nigeria’s Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi. The incident has attracted national attention, with members of the public demanding a transparent investigation and the release of verified findings.
While the minister’s media office previously confirmed that the deceased was a physiotherapist attached to his residence through a secondment arrangement, new media reports have presented additional claims that investigators are examining.
According to sources cited in the reports, police are looking into allegations that Habila’s body was discovered without clothing when officials arrived at the residence. Authorities have not publicly verified that claim, and investigators have yet to announce the outcome of forensic examinations.
The reports also allege that Habila travelled to Ebonyi alongside another physiotherapist, Anita Baski, a day before the incident. Investigators are reportedly reviewing the circumstances of their visit, including the role of individuals who arranged their movement to the minister’s residence.
The minister has maintained that emergency responders and senior medical personnel from DUFUHS were contacted immediately after Habila was found unresponsive. He also said the Nigeria Police were informed without delay and disclosed that he advised the deceased’s family to approve an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.
Although the family reportedly declined the request initially, Umahi has since renewed his call for a post-mortem examination, insisting that scientific evidence is necessary to resolve lingering questions surrounding the incident.
Meanwhile, the investigation has been transferred from the Ohaozara Divisional Police Headquarters to the Ebonyi State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Abakaliki, where detectives are expected to continue gathering evidence and interviewing relevant witnesses..
As of the time of this report, the police have not announced the cause of Mary Habila’s death, and no individual has been charged in connection with the case. Authorities have urged the public to avoid speculation while investigations continue.
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