Mary Habila: “She Was Like a Daughter to Me” – Umahi Speaks, Demands Thorough Police Investigation

Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has broken his silence over reports linking a young physiotherapist, Mary Habila’s death in his residence, describing the deceased as “like a daughter” to him and insisting that a thorough police investigation be carried out to establish the circumstances surrounding her death.

Speaking about the incident in a press briefing, Umahi stated that the case has been transferred to Abuja for investigation to ensure transparency, noting that he had personally requested the Inspector-General of Police to move the matter out of Ebonyi State.

“The case is ongoing. We have informed the Inspector-General of Police to transfer it to Abuja because I’m from Ebonyi State, and the investigation should be handled in Abuja where I’m not from,” he said.

Expressing grief over the incident, the minister stated that the deceased had lived with him for about three years and was regarded as a member of his family.

“The lady in question is like a daughter to me. She stayed with me for three years,” Umahi said.

He disclosed that shortly before her death, the woman reportedly spoke with her boyfriend, informing him that she was bleeding from the nose. According to Umahi, the boyfriend allegedly ended the call, saying he did not want the situation to worsen.

Umahi said he has asked the Nigeria Police Force to obtain and examine the deceased’s call records to review her conversations with the boyfriend as part of the ongoing investigation.

He also dismissed insinuations surrounding photographs of the deceased that circulated online, explaining that the images were taken at the mortuary by police officers, where bodies are typically not clothed.

Addressing allegations circulating on social media, the minister vowed that those responsible for cyberbullying and spreading false information would face legal action.

“I have directed my lawyers to go after those involved in cyberbullying over this matter,” he said, adding that whoever supplied information to Sahara Reporters would also be held accountable after the burial.

Umahi further clarified that the deceased resided in a guest house in Asokoro alongside other staff members, saying reports suggesting she was found inside his private residence created a misleading impression.

He added that the woman was a physiotherapist who had previously worked at a teaching hospital.

The Minister maintained that neither he nor his family had any involvement in the young woman’s death, expressing confidence that the investigation would reveal the truth.

“If we have hands in the killings, it will backfire on our family,” he said.