13.7.2026
Nigeria’s Minister of Works, Sen. David Umahi said there was no foul play in the death of Mary Habila a physiotherapist who was found unresponsive in his compound in his hometown in Ebonyi State.
Mr. Umahi said he has instructed his lawyers to initiate legal proceeding against individuals who have been spreading false accusations.
He said this while condemning what he described as defamatory activities by “evil people who claim to be freedom fighters”, insisting such conduct should never be tolerated.
Umahi described the late nurse as a dedicated employee of David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital who worked with his for three years.
He said the incident was promptly reported to the police, questioning claims that the circumstances surrounding the nurse’s death were concealed.
“The family reported the matter to the police, so where is the secrecy?” the minister asked.
He disclosed that the deceased’s parents, currently in Ebonyi, would address journalists and also institute legal proceedings against those spreading the alleged falsehood.
Umahi said he had directed that an autopsy be conducted, adding that the procedure would only proceed with the consent of the deceased’s parents.
“The death of the purveyors of such falsehood will be worse because you don’t do content creation with someone’s death,” he said.
He added that everyone would eventually answer God’s call, describing the late nurse as a dedicated employee of David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital.
“The deceased was a good nurse who checked my medical vital signs and worked with me for three years,” Umahi said.
The minister also dismissed reports linking him to an alleged kidnap suspect reportedly recruited into the Ebonyi security outfit, Ebubeagu.
“Can the purveyors of such news provide a photograph of me and such person?” he asked.
Umahi maintained that the reports were politically motivated, expressing readiness to confront misinformation and defend his reputation through lawful means. NAN
