Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, says he is deeply saddened by the death of Mary Habila, a member of his staff, and has urged the public and political actors not to politicise the incident while investigations are ongoing.
Speaking with journalists in Abuja, Umahi described the deceased as “like a daughter” to him and clarified that she was a nurse employed by the Federal Medical University, not a physiotherapist as reported in some quarters. He said she had maintained a close relationship with his family for about three years.
The minister disclosed that Habila had been receiving medical treatment, including at a Turkish hospital, with her most recent visit occurring in April. According to him, she had complained of persistent nose bleeding during a phone conversation with her boyfriend shortly before her death.
Umahi explained that she was later found dead in her room after the door was forced open, with water still running from the tap. He stressed that the guest house where she stayed was separate from his residence and rejected allegations linking him to the death.
He said he had requested that an autopsy be conducted to establish the exact cause of death, although the family was reportedly hesitant on cultural grounds. Umahi added that he had asked the Inspector-General of Police to transfer the investigation to Abuja to ensure transparency and proper handling of the case.
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