Outcry Grows Over Female Physiotherapist found dead in Nigeria Minister’ House

● Family picks July 17 to bury Mary Habila amidst call for probe

There is growing public outcry following the death of 26-year-old physiotherapist, Mary Habila, who was found dead under controversial circumstances at the Uburu residence of the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, in Ebonyi State.

The young healthcare professional, popularly known as “Mara”, was reportedly found lifeless on June 27, 2026, at the minister’s official quarters. Reports indicate she was found unclothed when her body was removed from the premises.

Her family has now announced that her funeral will be held on Friday, July 17, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the Deeper Life Bible Church in Nok, Jaba Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The date comes even as police investigations into her death continue.

According to a funeral announcement from the family, Mary Habila was born on September 18, 2000. Relatives, friends, colleagues, church members and sympathisers are expected to gather in Nok to pay their final respects.

Minister Umahi has confirmed the incident and described the deceased as a physiotherapist seconded from the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences to the Federal Ministry of Works. However, police sources involved in the investigation told SaharaReporters they did not believe the deceased and another woman were employees of the university, as claimed by the minister.

Speaking during an inspection of the Calabar–Ebonyi–Benue–Nasarawa–Abuja Super Highway in Ebonyi, Umahi said the family broke the girl’s door after becoming concerned and called doctors from DUFUTH who tried to revive her but failed.

“The family reported the matter to the police, so where is the secrecy?” the minister asked, while condemning what he described as defamatory reports circulating on social media. He said his lawyers had been briefed to pursue legal action against those spreading “falsehood”.

Umahi also disclosed that he had directed that an autopsy be conducted, adding that the procedure would only proceed with the consent of the deceased’s parents. He described the late nurse as a dedicated employee of the teaching hospital.

Police authorities have, however, insisted that an autopsy is necessary to establish the exact cause of death. Investigators are examining the timeline of events at the minister’s residence, including when emergency services were contacted.

Sources said lawyers acting on behalf of the minister sought the release of Habila’s body for burial in Ebonyi State, but investigators declined the request. They maintained that releasing the body before forensic processes are concluded would be inappropriate given the public interest in the case.

The circumstances of her death have triggered widespread calls for transparency. 2027 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore, has called for a coroner’s inquest into Habila’s death. “There MUST be a coroner’s inquest into the death of Mary Habila at the residence of Tinubu’s Minister of Works, David Umahi,” he stated.

A community statement from Kaduna described Habila as “a dedicated Ham girl who was detribalised and a true Nigerian” and extended condolences to her fiancé, noting she had been engaged to be married before her death.

The association also appreciated the minister “for his prompt response in notifying the police and medical personnel” and said it trusts the Nigerian Police Force will ensure a thorough investigation.

SaharaReporters earlier reported that the development triggered public outrage and widespread calls for a transparent and independent investigation. Other sources said investigators had received information suggesting members of Habila’s family were being pressured not to insist on an autopsy.

As the July 17 burial date approaches, pressure is mounting on authorities to ensure that all forensic and legal procedures are completed. With police maintaining that the case remains under active investigation, many Nigerians are demanding that justice for Mary Habila must not be buried alongside her.

NOP NIGERIA