By our reporter 12.7.2026
Concerned Nigerians have called for a thorough investigation into the suspicious death of a woman in the home of Minister of Works David Umahi.
Mr. Umahi confirmed the death of the woman identified as Mary Habila who was found dead naked in his home in Uburu, Ebonyi State, on June 27, 2026.
According to a statement made available to the media by Mr. Umahi’s aide Francis Nwaze, Mary Habila a physiotherapist was “seconded” to his home by authorities of the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences (DUFUHS).
Habila was found unresponsive by medical personal; the police and her parents were promptly contacted.
But according to reports by SaharaReporters on Sunday, police sources dispute the minister’s version of events. Habila and another woman Mary Anita Baski travelled from Kaduna State to Mr. Umahi’s residence on June 26, to allegedly be at the beck and call of the minister. Habila was found unresponsive the next morning.
It was alleged that they were arranged by Jonathan Bawado, a police officer serving as Umahi’s Personal Assistant and former Aide-de-Camp during his tenure as Ebonyi State governor.
The case is now being investigated by the Ebonyi State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Abakaliki as public concern over death of Habila continue to grow.
There are also concerns over the minister’s claims that Habila was seconded from the DUFUHS, whereas they were transported from Kaduna State in what could be a case of human trafficking.
However, Mr. Umahi said he was eager just like every Nigeria to know the circumstance surrounding the death of Habila.
“Following the recent developments and in the interest of ensuring that the truth is established beyond doubt, the Honourable Minister has again reiterated his position that an autopsy must be conducted. He remains convinced that this is the most credible and responsible path to resolving all questions surrounding the unfortunate incident,” the statement said.
