ABUJA, Nigeria | July 16, 2026
Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has publicly addressed the controversy surrounding the death of Mary Habila, rejecting allegations linking him or his family to the incident and insisting that the ongoing investigation should be allowed to establish the facts.
Speaking on the matter, Umahi described Habila as someone who was “like a daughter” to him, saying she had lived with his family for about three years and maintained a close relationship with them.
According to the minister, Habila was a staff member of the David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital and worked as a nurse, not a physiotherapist as had been reported in some accounts.
Umahi also stated that Habila was in contact with her boyfriend shortly before her death and had reportedly complained of bleeding during the conversation. He said the boyfriend allegedly ended the call after advising her to rest, believing continued conversation could worsen her condition.
The minister questioned attempts to hold him personally responsible for the incident simply because it occurred at his residence.
“Does it mean that when someone dies in the Minister of Works’ residence, the minister must automatically be held accountable? They are creating agendas that do not exist,” Umahi said.
He further denied any involvement in Habila’s death, insisting that neither he nor members of his family had any role in the incident.
“If we have any hand in the killing, it will backfire on our family. I am a man of faith, and those making these allegations should be careful,” he added.
Umahi maintained that he supports a full and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Habila’s death and urged the public to allow law enforcement agencies to complete their work without interference or speculation.
The death of Mary Habila has continued to attract national attention, with several individuals and organisations calling for an independent investigation. As of the time of filing this report, no official autopsy findings had been released, and the Nigeria Police said investigations into the case were ongoing.
