Police investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding the death of Mary Habila, a physiotherapist who was found unresponsive at the country home of Nigeria's Minister of Works, David Umahi, in Uburu, Ebonyi State.
According to police sources familiar with the investigation, detectives are working to establish a detailed timeline of events, including who was present at the residence, what actions were taken after Habila was discovered, and when emergency medical assistance was requested.
The sources also alleged that investigators are examining claims that the minister left the residence shortly after the incident while aides arranged for an ambulance. These claims remain part of the ongoing investigation and have not been officially confirmed by the police.
Police are also said to be gathering witness statements and forensic evidence to determine the exact cause and circumstances of Habila's death.
Investigators reportedly disputed the minister's earlier claim that Habila and another woman, Anita Baski, were employees of the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences. According to the sources, the two women travelled from Kaduna State and arrived at the minister's residence on June 26, 2026, while Habila was found dead the following morning under circumstances that are still being investigated.
The sources further alleged that Jonathan Bawado, a police officer serving as Umahi's Personal Assistant and former Aide-de-Camp during his tenure as Governor of Ebonyi State, brought the two women to the residence and later alerted medical personnel after Habila was found unresponsive.
Police sources also claimed that lawyers representing the minister requested the release of Habila's body for burial in Ebonyi State. Investigators reportedly declined the request, insisting that the body remain in custody until forensic examinations and other investigative procedures are completed.
In addition, investigators are said to be looking into reports that members of Habila's family may have come under pressure not to insist on an autopsy, although this claim has not been independently confirmed.
Earlier reports alleged that Habila was found without clothing when her body was removed from the residence, a claim that has attracted widespread public attention.
Responding to the controversy, Minister David Umahi denied any wrongdoing and described Habila's death as "unfortunate." He said emergency medical personnel, including the Chief Medical Director of the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, were contacted immediately, while the police were promptly notified.
The minister also stated that he met with Habila's parents, expressed his condolences, and advised them to consent to an autopsy to establish the cause of death. According to him, the family initially declined the recommendation.
The case has since been transferred from the Ohaozara Divisional Police Headquarters to the Ebonyi State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Abakaliki, where investigations are ongoing.
Authorities have yet to announce the official cause of death, and no conclusions have been reached as the investigation continues.
