Jul 13, 2026

Deceased Physiotherapist Mary Habila Was Found Naked in Dave Umahi’s Quarters

By Afolabi Olaiya Idowu in news

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ABUJA/EBONYI, Nigeria — Fresh and disturbing details have emerged surrounding the death of physiotherapist Mary Habila, whose lifeless body was reportedly discovered naked inside the private quarters of Works Minister David Umahi in Uburu, Ebonyi State, sparking widespread public concern and intense scrutiny over the circumstances.

The incident, which occurred in late June 2026, has gripped national attention after Minister Umahi publicly confirmed that Habila died at his residence.

He described the event as unfortunate and maintained that she was an employee of the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences (DUFUHS), officially seconded to provide physiotherapy services at his home.

However, sources close to the ongoing police investigation have challenged this narrative, alleging that Habila and another woman, Anita Baski, traveled from Kaduna State to the minister’s residence on June 26 without clear evidence of an official transfer letter or formal deployment documentation.

Habila was reportedly found unresponsive the following morning inside the residence. Umahi’s Personal Assistant, a police officer named Jonathan Bawado, is said to have alerted medical personnel.

Umahi’s Response and Calls for Autopsy

In a bid to ensure transparency, Minister Umahi has urged Habila’s family to consent to an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.

He stated that he promptly notified medical personnel and the police upon discovering the situation.

The Ebonyi State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has taken over the case, and investigations are continuing.

Umahi’s office has also pushed back against what it describes as defamatory social media narratives, emphasizing that Habila had worked with the ministry for about three years alongside her colleague. He personally met with the deceased’s parents to offer condolences.

Public Reaction and Lingering Questions

The revelation that Habila was found naked has fueled intense online debate, with many Nigerians demanding full accountability and a thorough, independent probe.

Social media platforms have seen a surge of commentary questioning the nature of her visit and the absence of documented official procedures.

Some have drawn parallels to broader concerns about power, accountability, and the treatment of public servants in high-profile settings.

As a sitting minister under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, Umahi’s involvement — even peripherally — has amplified calls for transparency from civil society groups and ordinary citizens wary of potential cover-ups in high places.

This tragic case highlights deeper systemic issues: the vulnerabilities faced by young professionals, especially women in certain work environments, and the need for strict adherence to official protocols in government deployments.

While no arrests have been made and the cause of death remains unconfirmed pending autopsy results, the incident serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of safeguarding lives and upholding due process regardless of status.

The Ebonyi State Police and relevant authorities have a responsibility to deliver clear answers.

As the investigation unfolds, Nigerians across the country will be watching closely, hoping for justice and closure for Mary Habila’s grieving family.