The tragic and sudden death of Mary Habila, a young medical professional attached to the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has continued to stir immense public interest and controversy across Nigeria.
While her death inside the minister’s country home in Uburu, Ebonyi State, on June 27, 2026, has dominated the news, there are several key details about her life, her career, and the ongoing investigation that many people do not know.
Here are the critical facts surrounding Mary Habila and the mystery of her untimely passing:
1. She Was Actually a Physiotherapist, Not a Nurse
While almost all early media reports and social media discussions identified her as a “nurse”, Mary Habila was actually a trained physiotherapist. To those close to her, she was affectionately known by her nickname, “Mara”.
2. Her Age and Native Background
Mary was born on September 18, 2000, meaning she was just 25 years old at the time of her passing (though some reports rounded this up to 26). She hailed from Nok, in the Jaba Local Government Area of Kaduna State, a community in Southern Kaduna.
3. She Was Seconded from a Federal University to Abuja
Mary was an employee of the David Umahi Federal University of Medical Sciences (DUFUS) in Ebonyi State. Because of her professional skills, she was seconded to the Federal Ministry of Works in Abuja. For approximately three years, she worked closely with the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, serving as a personal health officer and physiotherapist to him and his immediate staff.
4. Her Close Friend Revealed Her Final Moments
The events leading up to her death became clearer following a sworn affidavit by her close friend and fellow physiotherapist, Anita Baaki, who also traveled with the minister’s team from Abuja to Ebonyi on June 24.
The staff members were lodged in separate, adjoining rooms within a staff chalet—a building designated for staff and associates rather than the minister’s personal living quarters.
According to Anita, Mary returned to the chalet on the evening of June 26 after getting her hair done. She stopped by Anita’s room to show off her new look, where they chatted and laughed.
“Mary told me she was tired and wanted to take a shower before sleeping. That was the last time I saw her alive,”
5. The Discovery of Her Body
On the morning of June 27, Anita grew concerned when Mary failed to come out. After repeated calls went unanswered, Anita knocked on her door. Finding it locked from the inside, she raised an alarm.
Domestic staff forced the door open and found Mary lying unconscious on the floor near the door. She was immediately rushed to the David Umahi Federal Teaching Hospital, where doctors confirmed she was dead on arrival.
6. Her Father’s Firm Stance Against an Autopsy
Although both the Ebonyi State Police Command and Senator David Umahi expressed a strong desire for a full forensic autopsy to uncover the cause of death, Mary’s father, Tanko Habila, filed a sworn affidavit on July 13, 2026, firmly rejecting any post-mortem examination.
He stated that the family does not suspect any foul play and wants her body released immediately so they can lay her to rest in peace.
“While I welcome steps being taken to unravel the cause of my daughter’s death, my family and I will not accept any autopsy,”
He added:“I also wish not to proceed further with the investigation and further request to have my daughter’s body released to me for burial,”
7. Demands for Umahi’s Suspension
The circumstances surrounding her death have attracted heavy political and social interest. Notable figures, including the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, have demanded the immediate suspension of the Minister of Works pending a full, independent investigation.
Expressing his condolences to the grieving family, Atiku remarked:“No family should have to mourn a daughter taken in the prime of her life while also fighting simply to learn the truth of how she died.”
He criticized the administration’s handling of the matter, adding:“But condolences are not enough. Nigerians deserve answers, and it is on this score that the Tinubu administration has failed, comprehensively and disgracefully,”
Atiku also pointed out the initial “wall of silence” from key government bodies:“Silence from the Presidency. Silence from the Federal Executive Council. Silence from the Inspector-General of Police.
“Silence from the National Assembly. Not one word. Not one directive. Not one gesture to assure Nigerians that the life of Mary Habila matters to this government,”
8. Burial Arrangements are Set
In line with her family’s wishes, Mary is scheduled to be laid to rest on Friday, July 17, 2026. Her funeral service will take place at 10:00 a.m. at the Deeper Life Bible Church in Nok, Jaba Local Government Area of Kaduna State, where her family, friends, and colleagues will pay their final respects.
