MINISTER of Works, David Umahi, has broken his silence on the death of Nurse Mary Habila, making fresh revelations about the circumstances surrounding her passing and insisting that she had been battling an existing health condition before her death.
News Point Nigeria reports that Umahi, while speaking at a press briefing on Thursday, said Habila had worked closely with him for about three years and was like a daughter to him and his family, adding that anyone seeking further clarification on her final moments should also speak with her boyfriend, whom she reportedly contacted before her death.
The minister’s remarks came amid growing public outrage and calls for an independent investigation into the death of the nurse, who was found dead on June 27 at Umahi’s residence in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
Habila, an employee of the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, Ebonyi State, was part of the medical team attached to the minister and had accompanied him to his hometown when the tragedy occurred.
Addressing journalists, Umahi clarified that the deceased was a nurse employed by the university and not a physiotherapist, as had been reported in some quarters.
He further disclosed that Habila had been receiving treatment for an existing medical condition at a hospital in Turkey and stated that he personally paid her medical bills.
According to the minister, the late nurse had spoken with her boyfriend before her death and complained of nose bleeding.
“She was like a daughter to me,” Umahi said, adding that she had remained a valued member of the medical team assigned to him for about three years.
Meanwhile, the Executive Chairman of Jaba Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Larai Ishaku, has described Nurse Mary Habila as a committed and responsible healthcare professional who dedicated her service to supporting the health needs of the Minister of Works.
Speaking during a condolence visit to the family of the late nurse, Ishaku said Mary was part of the medical team assigned to provide healthcare support to Umahi and worked alongside other colleagues to ensure that his medical needs were properly attended to.
“According to the family, the late Mary Habila was a staff member of David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, Ebonyi State. She was widely described as a promising, dedicated, and responsible young nurse whose life was cut short at a time when she had a bright future ahead of her,” Ishaku said.
“During my interaction with her father, Baba Habila, he explained that his late daughter had served as part of the medical team attached to the Honourable Minister of Works, His Excellency David Umahi, alongside other colleagues, for over three years. According to him, the Minister and his family maintained a cordial and supportive relationship with Mary and the other staff members assigned to the residence.
“Baba Habila further stated that, before her passing, Mary had informed her fiancé during a telephone conversation that she had experienced a nosebleed the previous night.
“He recounted that on the morning of June 27, 2026, when Mary did not come out for breakfast, her colleagues became concerned. After repeated attempts to reach her proved unsuccessful, they forced open the door to her room and found her lying lifeless on the floor. The Honourable Minister was immediately informed, security agencies were invited to the scene, and her body was subsequently taken to the morgue.”
Ishaku stated that the deceased carried out her duties with professionalism, compassion and dedication, providing essential nursing care, monitoring health conditions, administering medical support when necessary and working closely with other members of the medical team to promote the minister’s well-being.
She noted that Habila was a promising young healthcare worker whose commitment to duty reflected her passion for service and sense of responsibility.
The Jaba council chairman also disclosed why Mary’s parents declined to request an autopsy on their daughter’s body.
“According to Baba Habila, his decision not to request an autopsy was based on his personal conviction that no medical examination could bring his daughter back to life. He further stated that he harbours no resentment towards the Honourable Minister of Works or his family, expressing confidence that his daughter lived a responsible and honourable life that never gave him cause for concern,” Ishaku said.
“He appealed to the public to allow his daughter to rest in peace and to refrain from unnecessary speculation surrounding the circumstances of her death.
“Baba Habila also made a passionate appeal to the relevant security authorities in Ebonyi State to facilitate the release of his daughter’s remains to the family so that she may be given a dignified and befitting burial in accordance with their customs, traditions, and wishes.”
Ishaku expressed deep sadness over the untimely death of the nurse, describing her as a hardworking professional whose life and contributions would continue to be remembered by all who knew and worked with her.
The chairman extended her condolences to the Habila family and prayed that God Almighty would grant them the strength to bear the loss and grant the soul of the deceased eternal rest.