Tragedy Unfolds: Autopsy Demands Mount for Physiotherapist Mary Habila After Death at Umahi’s Residence

The death of Mary Habila, a 26-year-old physiotherapist, at a staff chalet within the country home of the Minister of Works, David Umahi, in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, has sparked an extensive investigation and significant public debate. Her colleague, Anita Baaki, also a physiotherapist attached to the Federal Ministry of Works, provided a detailed account of Habila's final moments in a sworn affidavit filed before the Ebonyi State High Court.

According to Baaki, she and Habila, along with other ministry officials, traveled from Abuja to Ebonyi State on June 24 for an official assignment under the minister. They were accommodated in separate but adjoining rooms within a staff chalet designated for ministry personnel and associates, which Baaki clarified was not the minister's personal residence. Baaki recounted her last conversation with Habila on the evening of June 26, when Habila returned from having her hair done and briefly stopped by Baaki's room to show her new hairstyle. Habila then retired to her room, stating she was tired and intended to take a shower before sleeping.

The following morning, June 27, Baaki grew concerned when Habila did not emerge from her room. Repeated phone calls and knocks on Habila's door went unanswered. Baaki then alerted a domestic staff member to search the premises. After Habila could not be located elsewhere in the compound, other staff members were informed, and the door to her room was forced open. Habila was discovered lying unconscious near the entrance of her room and was immediately rushed to the David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital, where doctors confirmed she was dead on arrival. Baaki's statement was made voluntarily to aid investigators in establishing the circumstances of the death.

Public reactions have intensified following the family's announcement of Habila's planned burial for Friday, July 17, at the Deeper Life Bible Church in Nok, Jaba Local Government Area of Kaduna State. This announcement has generated a fresh wave of calls from Nigerians for an autopsy and an independent investigation, questioning the timing of the burial amidst an ongoing police inquiry. Social media users widely debated why the burial would proceed before the conclusion of forensic investigations.

Former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore publicly demanded a coroner’s inquest, insisting that no burial should occur until investigators complete all forensic examinations. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) also joined the chorus, advocating for an independent investigation, a full autopsy, and the public disclosure of findings. The party further urged Minister David Umahi to step aside from his duties pending the outcome of the investigation. Minister Umahi, for his part, stated that Habila was a physiotherapist seconded from the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences to the Federal Ministry of Works, and he had advised her family to consent to an autopsy to establish the cause of death.

The Ebonyi State Police Command has affirmed its commitment to investigating the case, emphasizing the necessity of a post-mortem examination to determine the cause of death. Lawyers representing Umahi have also formally requested that the police ensure a forensic autopsy is conducted before Mary Habila’s body is released for burial. The Nigeria Police have since transferred the case to the Ebonyi State Criminal Investigation Department in Abakaliki as investigations continue.