July 16, 2026
SUNTV Global Channel — The Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy (NSP) says the late Mary Habila, who died under controversial circumstances at the residence of the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, is not listed in its database of registered physiotherapists, contradicting an earlier statement that identified her as a physiotherapist.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the NSP said it verified Habila’s credentials through the appropriate regulatory channels and found that her name does not appear on the official register of licensed physiotherapists in Nigeria.
The professional body stated that the finding highlights the importance of verifying professional qualifications before making public statements, especially by public office holders.
According to the society, professional identity should always be established through recognized regulatory processes rather than assumptions or unverified claims.
The NSP also extended its condolences to Habila’s family, stressing that while clarifying professional records is important, the focus should remain on establishing the circumstances surrounding her death.
The clarification follows an earlier statement by the Minister of Works’ media team, which said Mary Habila and another woman, Anita Baski, were physiotherapists employed by the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences (DUFUHS), Uburu, and had been seconded to the Federal Ministry of Works for the past three years.
Mary Habila died on June 27 at the minister’s residence in Uburu, Ebonyi State. Her death has attracted widespread public attention and remains under investigation by the Ebonyi State Police Command.
Police authorities have maintained that a forensic autopsy is necessary to determine the exact cause of death before her body can be released for burial, while investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident continue.
