Fresh Twist as More Details Emerge on ‘Private Physiotherapist’ Who Died at David Umahi’s Residence

The death of a physiotherapist at the Ebonyi State residence of Minister of Works, David Umahi, has continued to generate public attention, with civil society groups demanding an independent investigation while police inquiries remain ongoing.

The deceased, Mary Habila, was identified by the minister’s office as a physiotherapist attached to the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences (DUFHS) and seconded to the Federal Ministry of Works. She reportedly died at Umahi’s residence in Uburu, Ebonyi State, in late June.

In a statement released after the incident, Umahi expressed shock over her death, saying medical personnel and the police were immediately contacted. He also directed that an autopsy be conducted to determine the exact cause of death and urged the deceased’s family to cooperate with investigators.

According to the minister’s spokesman, Umahi met with Habila’s relatives and assured them that the investigation would be transparent, insisting that the truth surrounding her death must be established through due process.

The Ebonyi State Police Command has since launched an investigation into the incident. While some media reports, citing anonymous police sources, have questioned aspects of the account provided by the minister’s camp, authorities have yet to release an official conclusion regarding the cause of death or indicate that anyone has been found culpable.

The incident has also drawn the attention of the Nigerian Women International Alliance (NWIA), which called on President Bola Tinubu to ensure an independent and transparent investigation. The group stressed that its demand should not be interpreted as an allegation against any individual but as a call for accountability and public confidence in the investigative process.

As investigations continue, no official autopsy report has been made public, and no charges have been filed in connection with the case.