Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has broken his silence on the death of Mary Habila, a nurse attached to him, saying she died after suffering a nosebleed and collapsing in a bathroom, while investigations into the circumstances surrounding her death are still ongoing.
The minister’s explanation comes amid growing public interest and speculation over the death of Habila, who was also a staff member of the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, Uburu, Ebonyi State.
Speaking on the incident, Umahi described the deceased as “like a daughter” to him, stressing that he had deliberately refrained from responding to allegations and speculations out of respect for her family and the ongoing investigation.
According to him, Habila had lived and worked closely with his family for about three years and had a history of medical challenges for which she received treatment at the Turkish Hospital in Abuja.
“The lady in question was like a daughter to me. She stayed with me for three years. She was a staff member of the Federal University of Health Sciences and worked as a nurse, not a physiotherapist,” Umahi said.
He disclosed that shortly before her death, Habila had spoken with her boyfriend on the telephone and complained of bleeding from the nose.
Providing details of her final moments, the minister said the boyfriend advised her to seek urgent medical attention, but she reportedly informed him that the bleeding had stopped.
“She spoke with her boyfriend shortly before her death and complained that she was bleeding from the nose. The boyfriend advised her to seek medical attention immediately. She replied that the bleeding had stopped.
“He insisted he would end the call because continuing the conversation could worsen the situation. She asked him not to hang up, but he eventually did. About three minutes later, he called back, but she did not answer,” Umahi stated.
The minister explained that Habila had earlier informed her boyfriend that she intended to take a bath after locking her room.
“When she did not respond, the door was forced open and she was found dead. The tap was still running,” he added.
Umahi expressed concern over what he described as attempts by some individuals to politicise the incident, insisting that there was no basis for linking him or members of his family to the death.
“What baffles me is how every unfortunate incident in this country becomes an opportunity for politics. The guest house where she stayed, along with another medical staff member, is far from where I live.
“Does it mean that if someone dies in the Ministry of Works, the minister must automatically be held responsible? Is that what people are suggesting?” he queried.
The minister said Habila’s family and his own family enjoyed a close relationship, adding that he personally funded her medical treatments.
“Her family and my family are very close. She had been receiving treatment at Turkish Hospital, with all her medical bills paid by us. Her medical records are there.
“The last treatment was on April 5 and it cost me ₦2.2 million, which I personally paid,” he said.
Umahi described Habila as one of his most dedicated workers and lamented the loss.
“She was one of my best workers — a dedicated nurse and staff member. I am deeply pained by her death. She will be difficult to replace,” he said.
Addressing demands for an autopsy, the minister revealed that the family initially opposed the procedure on cultural grounds.
According to him, despite the family’s reservations, he instructed his legal team to push for an autopsy in order to establish the exact cause of death and clear all doubts surrounding the matter.
“We pleaded with her parents to allow an autopsy, but they said it was against their culture.
“Nevertheless, through my lawyer, we insisted that an autopsy should be carried out, and I have directed that her body should not be released until it is done,” he stated.
Umahi further disclosed that he had reported the matter to the Inspector-General of Police and requested that the investigation be handled in Abuja.
“The matter is under investigation. We have reported it to the Inspector-General of Police and requested that the case be transferred to Abuja.
“I am also appealing to the family to meet with the Inspector-General so they can be persuaded to allow the autopsy,” he said.
The minister added that investigators had been directed to examine the call records of both Habila and her boyfriend as part of efforts to establish the sequence of events leading to her death.
“I have asked the police to examine both her call records and those of her boyfriend. The last conversation they had took place shortly before her death. The call logs will provide the necessary details,” he said.
Umahi also disclosed that the boyfriend had informed investigators that Habila had experienced a similar nosebleed episode during a previous official trip to Lagos and had been advised to seek medical attention.
The minister warned against what he described as false accusations and misinformation surrounding the case, stressing that the outcome of the police investigation and autopsy should be awaited.
“If we had any hand in her death, let it follow us and our families. But if we are innocent and people falsely accuse us, they should also be prepared to face the consequences of their actions,” he said.
The death of Habila has generated public debate in recent weeks, with calls from various quarters for a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause of her death. The planned autopsy and ongoing police investigation are expected to provide further clarity on the circumstances surrounding the incident.
