Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has broken his silence over the death of Miss Mary Habila, a staff member who died at his residence in Uburu, Ebonyi State, stating that he has seen no evidence of foul play and describing attempts to link him to the incident as “politics taken too far.”
Speaking during a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday while providing updates on newly approved road projects by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the minister said the deceased, whom he described as “like a daughter,” had worked closely with him for about three years and had been receiving medical treatment for an existing health condition.
Umahi clarified that the deceased was a nurse employed by the Federal University of Health Sciences, Ebonyi State, and not a physiotherapist as had been reported in some quarters.
According to the minister, the late nurse had a documented medical history and had been receiving treatment at a Turkish Hospital, with the cost of her care allegedly paid by him.
He disclosed that the most recent treatment reportedly cost about ₦2.2 million, adding that medical records were available.
Narrating the events leading to her death, Umahi said the deceased had reportedly spoken with her boyfriend shortly before the incident, during which she complained of bleeding from her nose. According to him, the boyfriend advised her to seek medical attention before ending the call.
The minister said subsequent attempts by the boyfriend to reach her were unsuccessful.
He further stated that when concerns were raised about her welfare, the door to her room was forced open and she was found dead, while the bathroom tap was reportedly still running.
Umahi maintained that the guest house where the incident occurred was separate from his personal residence and was used to accommodate medical personnel and other staff.
He said it was unfair to hold him personally responsible simply because the incident occurred within a government facility linked to his office.
The minister appealed to the deceased’s family to permit an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death, revealing that he had instructed that the body should not be released for burial until the examination is conducted.
According to him, the family has reportedly objected to the autopsy on cultural grounds.
Umahi also disclosed that he had requested the Inspector-General of Police to transfer the investigation to Abuja to ensure a comprehensive probe and facilitate further engagement with the deceased’s family.
He urged investigators to obtain and examine the telephone records between the deceased and her boyfriend, saying the conversations could assist in establishing the circumstances surrounding her final moments.
While expressing grief over the death, Umahi described the late nurse as one of his most dedicated staff members and said her passing had been deeply painful.
The minister also condemned what he described as attempts to politicise the incident and vowed to pursue legal action against individuals and media organisations he accused of spreading false information and engaging in cyberbullying.
ABN TV reports that the death of the nurse has attracted widespread public attention following reports and social media claims questioning the circumstances surrounding her demise at a government guest house linked to the Ministry of Works.
The incident has prompted calls from some groups for an independent investigation, while police authorities have continued inquiries into the matter.
An autopsy, regarded by investigators as essential to determining the exact cause of death, has yet to be conducted due to reported objections from the deceased’s family. Police investigations remain ongoing.
