The father of Mary Habila, the 26-year-old physiotherapist whose death at the residence of Nigeria's Minister of Works, David Umahi, has sparked widespread public attention, has declined to comment as police continue investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.
According to reports, Habila's father chose not to speak with journalists while receiving his daughter's body from a morgue in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, ahead of her burial in Kaduna State. Family sources said he was overwhelmed with grief and was not prepared to make any public statement regarding the case.
Family Focuses on Burial Arrangements
The late physiotherapist is expected to be buried on Friday, July 17, 2026, in Nok, Jaba Local Government Area of Kaduna State. Funeral arrangements released by the family indicate that relatives, friends, church members and colleagues are expected to attend the burial service.
While the family continues to mourn, they have remained largely silent on the ongoing police investigation, leaving authorities to determine the circumstances surrounding her death.
Investigation Remains Ongoing
Mary Habila reportedly died on June 27, 2026, at Minister David Umahi's country residence in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State. The circumstances surrounding her death have remained unclear, prompting a police investigation that has since been transferred to the Ebonyi State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID).
Investigators are reportedly examining witness statements, medical evidence and forensic findings as part of efforts to establish the actual cause of death. Authorities have not released any official conclusion or filed criminal charges in connection with the case.
Minister Umahi's Position
Minister David Umahi has publicly acknowledged that Mary Habila died at his residence. According to the minister, she was a physiotherapist seconded from the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences to the Federal Ministry of Works.
Umahi has maintained that the incident was promptly reported to medical personnel and the police. He has also repeatedly supported the conduct of an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death, urging Nigerians to avoid speculation while investigations continue.
Police Continue Gathering Evidence
Police sources familiar with the investigation have indicated that detectives are working to establish a comprehensive timeline of events, including who was present at the residence, the emergency response provided and all available forensic evidence.
The investigation has attracted nationwide attention because of the high-profile nature of the case, with many Nigerians calling for transparency and due process.
Public Interest Grows
The death has generated widespread reactions across Nigeria, with civil society groups and members of the public urging authorities to conduct a thorough and independent investigation.
Legal analysts have also stressed that investigations should rely on scientific evidence, witness testimony and medical findings rather than speculation or social media claims.
As of the time of filing this report, the official cause of Mary Habila's death has not been announced.
Awaiting Official Findings
With burial preparations underway and the family choosing not to make public comments, attention now shifts to the outcome of the police investigation and the expected autopsy report.
Authorities are expected to provide further updates once forensic examinations and investigative procedures have been completed. Until then, the case remains under active investigation.
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