By Unity Times Investigations Desk
The circumstances surrounding the death of Mary Habila, a young physiotherapist who died at the private residence of Nigeria’s Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, have continued to generate intense public scrutiny, with police investigators, civil society organisations, political actors and legal observers calling for a transparent investigation to establish the true cause of her death.
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The case, which has dominated public discourse over the past week, has evolved beyond an ordinary death investigation into a national conversation on accountability, transparency and public confidence in the administration of justice.
The Ebonyi State Police Command confirmed that the matter remains under investigation and that a forensic autopsy has been requested as investigators seek to determine the exact medical cause of death. The minister’s legal team has also publicly supported a forensic autopsy, arguing that a scientific examination is necessary to dispel speculation and ensure that the facts are established independently.
Minister Confirms Death Occurred Within Residence
Breaking his silence, Senator Umahi acknowledged that Habila died within a building located inside his residential compound in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
According to the minister, the deceased was a physiotherapist attached to the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences who had been providing medical support within the compound. He rejected widespread allegations circulating on social media, insisting that many reports surrounding the incident were false and defamatory.
Umahi maintained that the incident was immediately reported to the police and that members of Habila’s family were informed promptly after she became unresponsive.
Police Investigation Continues
Investigators are examining witness statements, medical records, digital evidence and forensic findings to reconstruct the events leading to Habila’s death.
Police authorities have stressed that the investigation remains active and urged the public to avoid speculation until forensic findings are completed.
The case has generated widespread interest because of the location where the death occurred and the high public office occupied by the minister.
Legal experts say a forensic autopsy remains one of the most reliable methods of determining whether death resulted from natural causes, accidental circumstances or criminal conduct.
Civil Society Groups Demand Transparency
Several organisations have called for an independent investigation.
Among them is the Progressive and Family Integrity People’s Convention (PFIPC), which urged President Bola Tinubu to suspend the minister pending the conclusion of investigations.
Other civic organisations have stopped short of demanding suspension but insist that public confidence requires an impartial inquiry free from political interference.
The Nigerian Women International Alliance (NWIA) similarly called for an independent, professional and transparent investigation while emphasizing that every citizen—including the minister—is entitled to the constitutional presumption of innocence until proven otherwise.
Family Seeks Closure
Reports indicate that differing views have emerged over the timing of the autopsy and burial arrangements, highlighting the emotional strain placed on Habila’s relatives as investigations continue.
Legal analysts note that such disagreements are not unusual in high-profile investigations where criminal inquiries and family concerns intersect.
Wider Questions
The incident has reignited discussions on public accountability, particularly where senior public officials are involved.
Governance advocates argue that a transparent investigation would strengthen confidence in Nigeria’s justice system, regardless of the eventual findings.
For many Nigerians, the issue is no longer simply how Mary Habila died, but whether institutions responsible for uncovering the truth can do so impartially and professionally.