Works Minister Umahi orders autopsy, rejects secrecy claims over aide’s death

Works Minister Umahi orders autopsy, rejects secrecy claims over aide’s death

Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has dismissed allegations of a cover-up surrounding the death of Mary Habila, a physiotherapist attached to the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences (DUFUHS) and seconded to the Federal Ministry of Works, insisting that the incident was promptly reported to the police and handled transparently in accordance with the law.

The minister also vowed to take legal action against individuals and groups he accused of spreading false and defamatory reports about the circumstances surrounding Habila’s death, describing the allegations as an attempt to mislead the public and tarnish his reputation.

Speaking while inspecting ongoing construction work on the Ebonyi section of the Calabar–Ebonyi–Benue–Nasarawa–Abuja Superhighway, Umahi explained that the deceased’s family became alarmed after they were unable to reach her and eventually forced open the door to her room.

According to him, doctors from the David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital (DUFUTH) were immediately contacted and rushed Habila to the hospital, where medical personnel made desperate efforts to save her life.

“The family broke the girl’s door, called doctors from DUFUTH, who took her to the hospital and did everything possible to revive her, but unfortunately she did not survive,” the minister said.

Rejecting claims that the incident was concealed, Umahi maintained that the matter was reported to the police without delay.

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“The family reported the matter to the police, so where is the secrecy?” he queried, insisting that every necessary legal procedure was followed from the onset.

To establish the exact cause of death and put an end to speculation, the minister disclosed that he had directed that an autopsy be conducted with the consent of Habila’s parents.

He revealed that he had initially advised the family to approve a post-mortem examination immediately after her death, but they declined at the time. However, following widespread public debate and conflicting narratives surrounding the incident, he said an autopsy had become necessary to determine the true cause of death through scientific investigation.

Umahi further disclosed that Habila’s parents, who are currently in Ebonyi State, are expected to address journalists after the autopsy and may also pursue legal action against individuals accused of circulating false information about their daughter’s death.

Describing the late Habila as a committed and hardworking healthcare professional, the minister said she had worked closely with him for about three years after being seconded from the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences to the Federal Ministry of Works.

He noted that she carried out her professional duties diligently and regularly monitored his medical condition during official engagements.

Expressing sadness over her death, Umahi urged Nigerians to allow the police investigation and autopsy process to establish the facts instead of relying on rumours and unverified social media reports.

He condemned what he described as attempts to exploit the tragedy for political propaganda and online content creation, warning that such actions were insensitive to the deceased’s family.

The minister disclosed that he had instructed his legal team to commence court proceedings against those responsible for publishing what he described as falsehoods regarding the incident.

According to him, freedom of expression should not be used as a cover to spread misinformation capable of causing emotional distress to grieving families or damaging the reputation of innocent persons.

Umahi also dismissed separate allegations linking him to an alleged kidnap suspect said to have been recruited into the Ebubeagu security outfit during his tenure as Governor of Ebonyi State.

He challenged those making the claims to provide credible evidence, insisting that he had no personal relationship with the suspect and could not be held responsible for every individual recruited into the security outfit.

The minister reiterated his support for thorough investigations into all suspicious deaths and emphasized that the rule of law must prevail over speculation.

He maintained that the outcome of the police investigation and the autopsy would provide the answers Nigerians seek regarding Habila’s death.

The controversy has continued to attract nationwide attention, with many Nigerians calling for a transparent investigation to ensure accountability and restore public confidence.

Authorities are expected to release further details after the completion of the autopsy and ongoing police investigation.

Works Minister Umahi orders autopsy, rejects secrecy claims over aide’s death