Police Disputing Claims Over Physiotherapist Found Dead in Minister David Umahi’s Residence

Investigative details have emerged challenging the official narrative surrounding the death of a young woman, identified as Mary Habila, at the country home of the Minister of Works, David Umahi, in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State. According to police sources close to the ongoing investigation, the victim, a physiotherapist, was discovered unclothed inside the minister’s residence the morning after her arrival, contradicting earlier administrative explanations regarding her presence at the property.

The Works Minister previously confirmed that the death occurred at his residence, with an official statement from his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Francis Nwaze, characterizing the passing as an unfortunate incident. The statement maintained that Habila was an employee of the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences who had been formally seconded to the minister’s residence alongside a colleague, Mary Baski. However, law enforcement personnel have disputed the secondment claim, alleging that Habila and Baski were actually brought to the Ebonyi estate on June 26, 2026, traveling directly from Kaduna State. Security officials further disclosed that a police officer serving as the minister’s Personal Assistant was responsible for organizing their travel and later alerted medical personnel when Habila was found unresponsive the following morning.

The incident, which occurred on June 27, has triggered a comprehensive investigation. Due to the sensitive nature of the case, file handling has been transferred from the Ohaozara Divisional Police Headquarters to the Ebonyi State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Abakaliki. Following the discovery, the Chief Medical Director of the David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital was notified, and emergency responders were dispatched to the scene. The minister noted that he met with the deceased’s parents to offer condolences and advised them to authorize an autopsy to scientifically establish the cause of death, a recommendation the family reportedly declined initially.

The case continues to generate significant public interest and calls for structural transparency, specifically regarding the administrative protocols governing the deployment of institution-affiliated medical staff to private political residences. Law enforcement officials have stated that they are keeping all options open as they work to establish the precise circumstances surrounding the fatality.