Questions have trailed the death of a young female physiotherapist, Mary Habila, who died inside the Uburu country home of the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, in Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
According to SaharaReporters, the incident occurred on June 27, 2026.
The report stated that Habila and another woman, Anita Baski, both from Kaduna State, arrived at the minister’s residence on June 26.
Sources alleged the two women were brought from Kaduna and had been on secondment from the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, Uburu, to serve as physiotherapists at the minister’s home.
Habila was reportedly found unresponsive the following morning.
Jonathan Bawado, a police officer serving as Senator Umahi’s Personal Assistant and former ADC to Umahi during his tenure as governor, allegedly alerted medical personnel.
“A doctor and an ambulance were dispatched to the residence, while the Divisional Police Officer, Ohaozara Division, CSP Tobechukwu Godwin, was notified,” the report stated.
It added that the Chief Medical Director of David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital, Uburu, Prof. Chihurumnanya Alo, was also alerted. Habila’s body was later conveyed to the mortuary, and her identification tag was handed over to the Ebonyi State Police Command.
A senior officer confirmed that the case was transferred from the Ohaozara Divisional Police Headquarters to the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, in Abakaliki.
Days after the incident, Senator Umahi confirmed that Habila died at his residence and described it as unfortunate.
In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Francis Nwaze, the minister said he received the news with profound shock and sadness and that emergency steps were taken immediately, including notifying police and hospital authorities.
Umahi stated that Habila and Baski were staff of DUFUHS who had been on secondment to the Federal Ministry of Works for three years.
He added that he met with Habila’s parents, offered condolences, and advised them to consent to an autopsy to determine the cause of death, but said they initially declined.
“The Honourable Minister has again reiterated his position that an autopsy must be conducted,” the statement said.
It added, “He remains convinced that this is the most credible and responsible path to resolving all questions surrounding the unfortunate incident.”
The minister urged the public to avoid speculation and allow investigators to do their work.
The Ebonyi Commissioner of Police, Hope Urunwa Okafor, did not respond to calls, while PPRO SP Joshua Ukandu said he was unaware and requested a text message.
Olamilekan Adigun is a graduate of Mass Communication with years of experience in journalism embedded in uncovering human interest stories. He also prioritises accuracy and factual reportage of issues.
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