Umahi Breaks Silence, Orders Autopsy Over Ebonyi Physiotherapist’s Death

The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has directed that an autopsy be conducted to determine the cause of death of Miss Mary Habila, a physiotherapist who died in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

The directive follows reports alleging that the deceased, a staff member of the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences (DUFUS), Uburu, died in the minister’s residence and that the circumstances surrounding her death were “shrouded in secrecy”.

This was contained in a statement issued at the weekend by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mr Francis Nwaze.

Nwaze said Umahi received the news “with profound shock and sadness” and had extended his condolences to the bereaved family.

“For the avoidance of doubt, immediately the unfortunate incident occurred, appropriate emergency steps were taken. Medical personnel, including the Chief Medical Director of DUFUS, Uburu, were contacted without delay, while the Nigeria Police was promptly notified in accordance with the law,” the statement said.

Habila and her colleague, Miss Anita Baski, were employees of DUFUS who had been on secondment to the Federal Ministry of Works, Abuja, as physiotherapists for the past three years until Habila’s death.

According to the statement, the minister personally received Habila’s parents after confirmation of her passing and advised that an autopsy be conducted to “scientifically establish the exact cause of death”.

“At the time, however, the family declined the recommendation,” it added.

Following fresh developments, Umahi said he had again insisted that an autopsy be carried out, describing it as “the most credible and responsible path to resolving all questions surrounding the unfortunate incident”.

He urged members of the public to “exercise restraint, refrain from speculation or premature conclusions, and allow the relevant authorities to carry out their responsibilities without interference”.

“At this difficult time, our thoughts and prayers remain with the family of the deceased, and we pray that God grants them the strength to bear this irreparable loss,” the statement concluded.