David Umahi Speaks Out on Nurse Mary Habila’s Death, Denies Any Wrongdoing
Minister of Works David Umahi has broken his silence regarding the passing of Mary Habila, the nurse who died at his home in Uburu, Ebonyi State, stating he sees no evidence of foul play.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday, he referred to the deceased as “like a daughter” and urged Nigerians not to turn the tragedy into a political issue while investigations proceed.
Umahi Describes Habila as a Daughter‑Like Figure
He explained that Habila had worked alongside him for roughly three years and shared a close bond with his family.
He also clarified that she served as a nurse at the Federal University of Health Sciences in Ebonyi State, countering earlier reports that labelled her a physiotherapist.
He said, “My lawyers have spoken on my behalf. But I want to stress that the woman was like a daughter to me. She lived with me for three years, was a staff member of the Federal Medical University, served as a nurse—not a physiotherapist—and our families are essentially one.”
Umahi Reveals He Covered ₦2.2 Million of Her Medical Bills
The minister disclosed that Habila had been receiving care at a Turkish hospital prior to her death, noting that he personally settled her medical expenses.
“She has her medical records at the Turkish hospital, which we funded. The latest record dates to 5 April and amounted to ₦2.2 million. The documents exist; I paid that sum,” he claimed.
Umahi Recounts Habila’s Final Moments
Umahi also described what he said were Habila’s last moments before she was found dead.
He said she was on the phone with her boyfriend shortly before dying and mentioned she was bleeding from the nose.
“She spoke to her boyfriend at the hour of her death and complained that she was bleeding from the nose. He told her she needed to report it. She said it had stopped. He replied, ‘I will not continue this call while you are bleeding; it could worsen.’ She begged him not to hang up, but he ended the call. Three minutes later he called again and she did not answer.”
The minister added that earlier that day she had told her boyfriend she intended to take a bath because she had locked her door.
“Even in the morning she told her boyfriend she was going to bathe because she had locked the door. When they realized something was wrong, they broke the door down and found her lifeless, the tap still running.”
Umahi Asks Family to Consent to Autopsy
Umahi appealed to Habila’s relatives to permit a forensic autopsy to ascertain the exact cause of death.
“We have pleaded with the parents to allow an autopsy. They said it contradicts their tradition, but we pressed our lawyer to insist on one. I have ordered that the body not be moved until an autopsy is performed.”
He also noted that he requested the Inspector‑General of Police to shift the investigation to Abuja.
“We have asked the IGP to transfer the case to Abuja. Let them persuade the family to approve an autopsy. I also urge the family to meet the IGP so he can convince them.”
Umahi Maintains No Foul Play Suspected
The minister reiterated that there is no sign of criminal activity.
“I see no foul play because the other woman who stayed with her was sleeping in the same bed. Her room remained locked, the door had to be forced open to find the body, and the tap was still running—likely because she was preparing to bathe.”
He added that Habila had suffered similar nosebleeds before.
“Her boyfriend also informed us that while we were in Lagos she called him saying she was bleeding from the nose. He advised her to tell me so I could arrange hospital care, but she did not want to bother me. He then told her to seek help at a nearby facility.”
Umahi urged police to examine the call logs between Habila and her boyfriend.
“I have asked the police to retrieve the call logs of both the boyfriend and the girlfriend. They will hear the final conversation she had with him at the moment of her death.”
Umahi Warns Against Politicising the Tragedy
The minister criticised attempts to link him to the incident merely because it happened at a ministry guest house.
“What perplexes me in this nation is that every event turns into an opportunity. There is a guest house where she and other medical staff stayed, far from my residence. Does a death in the Ministry of Works automatically make the minister responsible?”
He also warned against exploiting the death for political gain.
“People must be careful when they try to use the sad loss of a young girl for political points. If we were involved, the consequences would follow us and our families. If we are innocent and you jump in, be cautious—life is spiritual.”
Describing Habila as one of his most dedicated employees, he said:
“It pains me deeply that she is gone. She will be hard to replace; she was among my finest workers.”
He condemned the circulation of purported mortuary photos and vowed legal action against those spreading false information.
“When they took her to the mortuary, that is where the police snapped the picture. They did not dress her beforehand before distributing damaging details.”
“I have instructed my lawyers to confront those engaged in cyberbullying over this matter. We will test the limits of the law.”
Police investigations continue, and authorities persist in pushing for a forensic autopsy to establish the precise cause of Habila’s death.
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