By Enemona Samuel Endurance
The tragic death of Mary Habila, a 26-year-old Nigerian physiotherapist, has sparked nationwide attention and renewed calls for a transparent investigation after she was found dead under controversial circumstances at the residence of the Minister of Works, David Umahi, in Uburu, Ebonyi State.
Since news of the incident emerged, Nigerians have sought answers about who Mary Habila was, why she was at the minister’s residence, and the circumstances surrounding her death.
While investigations are still ongoing and authorities are yet to release an official autopsy report, here is everything currently known about Mary Habila.
Who Was Mary Habila?
Mary Habila was a 26-year-old physiotherapist from Kaduna State. According to her family, she was born on September 18, 2000, and died on June 27, 2026.
Minister David Umahi has stated that Habila was attached to the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences (DUFUHS) and had been deployed to provide physiotherapy services at his official residence. However, investigators are reportedly examining the circumstances of her assignment as part of the ongoing inquiry.
Why Is Mary Habila Trending?
Mary Habila became the focus of national attention after she was found dead inside Minister David Umahi’s residence in Ebonyi State.
According to reports, she travelled from Kaduna to Ebonyi on June 26, 2026, and was discovered dead the following day.
The incident immediately triggered public concern, with many Nigerians demanding a thorough and independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death.
What Happened?
Available reports indicate that Mary Habila died while staying at the minister’s residence.
Minister Umahi has maintained that emergency medical personnel were contacted immediately, the matter was reported to the police, and he personally requested that an autopsy be conducted to establish the exact cause of death.
The Ebonyi State Police Command has since commenced investigations, with an autopsy expected to determine the actual cause of death.
Conflicting Accounts Continue to Emerge
The case has generated conflicting narratives.
While the Minister insists that due process was followed and has denied any wrongdoing, investigators are reportedly examining several aspects of the incident, including the circumstances that brought the young physiotherapist to the residence and the sequence of events leading to her death.
As of the time of publication, no individual has been charged in connection with the case.
Sowore Calls for Coroner’s Inquest
Human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has publicly called for a coroner’s inquest before Mary Habila is buried.
Sowore argued that the circumstances surrounding her death require an independent and transparent investigation.
He further alleged that Mary Habila died with blood flowing from her mouth, saying the condition suggested that her death may not have been natural and should be subjected to comprehensive forensic examination.
He also urged authorities to ensure that an autopsy and all necessary investigative procedures are completed before her burial. These remarks represent Sowore’s public position and have not been independently verified by investigators.
Reports She Was Found Naked
Several media reports claimed that Mary Habila’s body was found without clothing when it was removed from the minister’s residence.
However, neither the police nor the autopsy team has officially confirmed the significance of that claim, and investigators have urged the public to allow the investigation to run its course before drawing conclusions.
Has the Cause of Death Been Confirmed?
No.
As of publication, no official autopsy findings have been released.
Authorities have not confirmed the cause of death, and police investigations remain ongoing.
Minister Umahi has repeatedly stated that he supports a comprehensive autopsy to establish the facts surrounding the incident.
Burial Arrangements
Mary Habila’s family has announced plans for her burial in Kaduna State.
However, public interest in the case remains high, with many Nigerians and civil society groups calling for the completion of forensic investigations before burial proceeds.
What We Know So Far
- Mary Habila was a 26-year-old physiotherapist from Kaduna State.
- She died on June 27, 2026, at Minister David Umahi’s residence in Uburu, Ebonyi State.
- The exact cause of her death has not been officially established.
- Police investigations and an autopsy are ongoing.
- David Umahi has denied any wrongdoing and has supported an autopsy.
- Omoyele Sowore has called for a coroner’s inquest, alleging that Habila died with blood flowing from her mouth, a claim that remains part of his public statement and has not been confirmed by investigators.
The Bureau Journal’s Position
The Bureau Journal notes that while public interest in the case continues to grow, many of the claims circulating online remain allegations. Until investigators release the official autopsy report and conclude their inquiry, the precise circumstances surrounding Mary Habila’s death remain unknown.
The Bureau Journal will continue to monitor developments and provide verified updates as more official information becomes available.
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