The Truth Must Be Told!’ – Full Text Of Umahi’s Explosive Remarks On Mary Habila’s Controversial Death

Minister of Works David Umahi has denied allegations linking him to the death of Mary Habila, a nurse at the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, describing claims of foul play as politically motivated.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday, Umahi said Habila was like a daughter to him and his family, adding that her death was a personal tragedy.

The minister’s remarks followed growing public interest in the circumstances surrounding Habila’s death after she was found dead at his residence in Ebonyi State.

Umahi insisted he had no reason to harm the late nurse, stressing that she had lived with his family for about three years and enjoyed a close relationship with them.

According to him, Habila had been battling an underlying medical condition and had received treatment at a hospital in Turkey on several occasions. He disclosed that he personally funded her most recent medical trip in April, paying about ₦2.2 million for her treatment.

He also revealed that shortly before her death, Habila spoke with her boyfriend and reportedly complained of persistent nose bleeding. According to Umahi, the boyfriend advised her to seek medical attention and later tried calling her back after the conversation ended, but she did not respond.

The minister said Habila had informed her boyfriend that she intended to take a bath before communication with her stopped. He added that when she could not be reached the following morning, her room was forced open and she was found inside, with the bathroom tap still running.

Rejecting suggestions that her death was suspicious, Umahi argued that the guest house where Habila stayed was separate from his personal residence, insisting that his position should not automatically make him responsible for every incident that occurred within the premises.

He maintained that available medical records pointed to an existing health challenge and said he had no reason to suspect foul play.

Umahi also disclosed that efforts to conduct an autopsy had stalled because Habila’s family reportedly declined the procedure on cultural grounds. He said his legal team had insisted on an autopsy and that the police had been directed not to release the body until the examination is carried out.

According to the minister, the matter has since been transferred to the Inspector-General of Police for further investigation. He appealed to Habila’s family to cooperate with the authorities to enable an autopsy to establish the exact cause of death.

Umahi further urged investigators to examine the phone records of Habila and her boyfriend, saying their final conversation could provide useful information about the events leading up to her death.

He condemned what he described as attempts to politicise the incident, warning against spreading unverified allegations capable of damaging reputations.

The minister also criticised the circulation of photographs of the deceased on social media, saying those responsible would face legal action. He disclosed that his lawyers had been instructed to pursue cyberbullying cases against individuals involved in disseminating what he described as false and defamatory information.

While expressing sympathy to Habila’s family, Umahi urged Nigerians to allow the police to complete their investigation before drawing conclusions, insisting that he remains confident no foul play was involved in the incident.