The death of Mary Habila has continued to attract national attention. Questions now surround the circumstances of her passing. ValidViewNetwork reports that the Minister of Works, David Umahi, has denied any involvement in her death. He also insisted that investigators must conduct an autopsy before burial.
Minister Rejects Allegations
ValidViewNetwork reports that Umahi addressed journalists in Abuja after briefing them on approved federal projects.
He described allegations against him as politically motivated.
He said the controversy had become exaggerated.
Umahi said Habila lived with his family for about three years.
He described her as “like a daughter.”
He also corrected reports about her profession.
He said she worked as a nurse.
He said she served at the Federal University of Health Sciences, Ebonyi State.
Medical History Raised
Umahi said Habila had previous medical challenges.
He said he paid for her treatment in a Turkish hospital.
He said the latest treatment cost ₦2.2 million.
He said hospital records support his claims.
Final Conversation with Boyfriend
Umahi narrated Habila’s final conversation with her boyfriend.
He claimed she reported bleeding from her nose.
According to him, the bleeding later stopped.
He said her boyfriend advised her to seek medical attention.
Umahi quoted the conversation.
“She told the boyfriend, ‘Don’t cut the call.’ The boyfriend cut the call.”
He said the boyfriend called back after three minutes.
He claimed she no longer responded.
Events Before Her Death
Umahi said Habila intended to take a bath.
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He said she locked her room.
He said colleagues later forced the door open.
He said they found her dead.
He added that water still flowed from the tap.
Minister Defends Himself
Umahi said the guest house stood far from his private residence.
He questioned attempts to hold him responsible.
He said ownership of the facility should not imply guilt.
He urged Nigerians to avoid politicising the tragedy.
Umahi said:
“People should be careful when they want to use the unfortunate death of a young girl to play politics.”
Autopsy Dispute
Umahi said investigators requested an autopsy.
He claimed Habila’s family opposed the request.
He said they cited cultural reasons.
He insisted the examination must proceed.
He directed that officials should not release the body before the autopsy.
Police Investigation
Umahi said he requested the Inspector General of Police to transfer the investigation to Abuja.
He said the move would strengthen the investigation.
He also urged investigators to examine telephone records.
He believes the final conversation may provide useful evidence.
No Suspicion of Foul Play
Umahi said he saw no evidence of foul play.
He said another woman slept in the same room.
He added that the room remained locked until people forced it open.
He maintained that investigators should complete their work before reaching conclusions, ValidViewNetwork reports.
Legal Action Planned
Umahi criticised the circulation of mortuary photographs.
He accused some police officers of leaking the images.
He said the photographs encouraged public speculation.
He instructed his lawyers to pursue legal action against those spreading false information and cyberbullying, ValidViewNetwork reports.
Police investigations continue into Mary Habila’s death. Civil society groups have also demanded an independent investigation. The outcome of the autopsy and police findings will likely determine the next stage of the case. Nigerians now await official conclusions from investigators before drawing final judgments, ValidViewNetwork reports.