Published: Sunday, July 12, 2026
By SUNTV Global Channel
Nigeria’s Minister of Works, David Umahi, has confirmed that Mary Habila died at his private residence in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, amid growing public concern over the circumstances surrounding her death.
Umahi disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday, July 12, 2026, through his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Francis Nwaze. The minister described Habila’s death as unfortunate and expressed profound shock and sadness over the incident.
According to the statement, Habila was a physiotherapist attached to the Federal Ministry of Works from the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences (DUFUHS), Uburu, where she had reportedly served on secondment alongside another physiotherapist, Anita Baski, for the past three years.
The minister stated that emergency medical measures were immediately activated after the incident, adding that the Chief Medical Director of the university hospital and other medical personnel were contacted without delay. He further noted that the Nigerian Police Force was promptly informed in accordance with legal procedures.
Umahi revealed that after Habila’s death was confirmed, he personally met with her parents to offer condolences and advised the family to approve an autopsy to scientifically determine the cause of death. However, according to the statement, the family initially declined the request.
“It is important to clarify that Miss Mary Habila and Miss Anita Baski are employees of the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, Uburu, who had been on secondment to the Federal Ministry of Works as physiotherapists for the past three years until the unfortunate passing of Miss Habila,” the statement read.
Amid increasing public scrutiny, the minister renewed his call for an autopsy, insisting that it remains the most credible and responsible means of establishing the actual cause of death and addressing questions surrounding the incident.
“The Honourable Minister has again reiterated his position that an autopsy must be conducted. He remains convinced that this is the most credible and responsible path to resolving all questions surrounding the unfortunate incident,” the statement added.
The case has attracted nationwide attention following earlier reports alleging that the circumstances of Habila’s death had been shrouded in secrecy. Questions have also been raised over the deployment of staff from the university hospital to the minister’s residence.
According to reports, the incident occurred on June 27, 2026, a day after Habila and Anita Baski, both reportedly from Kaduna State, arrived at the residence in Uburu.
Police sources disclosed that the matter has since been transferred from the Ohaozara Divisional Police Headquarters to the Ebonyi State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Abakaliki for further investigation.
Reports indicate that medical personnel and security officials were alerted immediately after Habila was found unresponsive inside the residence. Investigations into the circumstances surrounding her death are ongoing.
Umahi appealed to members of the public to avoid speculation and allow security agencies and medical experts to carry out their duties professionally and without interference.
The death of Mary Habila has continued to generate public interest, with many Nigerians calling for a transparent and comprehensive investigation into the incident.
SUNTV Global Channel will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as more information becomes available.
