Family Announces Burial Plans for Physiotherapist Mary Habila as Police Intensify Probe into Death at Minister Umahi’s Residence
The family of 26-year-old physiotherapist, Mary Habila, popularly known as Mara, has announced the funeral arrangements for the late healthcare professional whose death at the residence of Nigeria’s Minister of Works, David Umahi, in Ebonyi State has continued to generate widespread public attention and calls for a thorough investigation.
The announcement comes as police authorities intensify investigations into the circumstances surrounding her death, while insisting that a comprehensive autopsy will be conducted to establish the exact cause of death.
Mary Habila reportedly died under controversial circumstances at the minister’s official residence in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State. The incident has sparked nationwide debate, with many Nigerians demanding transparency and accountability over the events leading to her death.
According to a funeral programme released by her family, Habila was born on September 18, 2000, and passed away on June 27, 2026, at the age of 26.
The family disclosed that her funeral service will take place on Friday, July 17, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the Deeper Life Bible Church in Nok, Jaba Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Following the service, she will be laid to rest in her hometown in the presence of family members, friends, colleagues, church members and sympathisers who are expected to gather to pay their final respects to the young physiotherapist.
Her death has left relatives, friends and members of the medical community in shock, with many describing her as a promising healthcare professional whose life was cut short under troubling circumstances.
Public concern over the incident intensified after reports emerged that Habila’s body was allegedly found unclothed when it was removed from the minister’s residence, a development that has fueled widespread speculation and heightened demands for an independent and transparent investigation.
Although authorities have yet to establish the exact circumstances surrounding her death, the unusual details surrounding the incident have continued to attract significant public interest across the country.
Minister David Umahi has publicly acknowledged that Habila died at his residence but has denied any wrongdoing.
The minister explained that the deceased was serving as a physiotherapist and had been seconded from the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences to the Federal Ministry of Works.
Umahi has repeatedly maintained that he has nothing to hide and has expressed support for a full investigation into the incident.
He said he personally requested that a comprehensive autopsy be carried out to determine the precise cause of death, insisting that scientific evidence rather than speculation should guide public conclusions.
According to the minister, all relevant authorities should be allowed to complete their investigations without interference or premature judgments.
Police authorities have also confirmed that an autopsy forms a critical component of the ongoing investigation.
Investigators say forensic examinations, medical reports and witness statements will help determine both the cause of death and the sequence of events leading to the tragic incident.
Security sources familiar with the investigation disclosed that detectives are reconstructing the timeline of activities at the minister’s residence before and after Habila was found unresponsive.
According to the sources, investigators are attempting to establish who was present at the residence at the time of the incident, what immediate actions were taken after she was discovered, and when emergency medical assistance was requested.
Police are also reportedly examining allegations that the minister departed his country home shortly after the incident while aides arranged for an ambulance to transport the deceased.
Investigators are expected to verify the accuracy of these claims as part of their efforts to establish a complete chronology of events.
A senior source familiar with the investigation said detectives are carefully piecing together all available evidence.
“Our investigators are seeking to establish the complete timeline of events, including everyone who was present, the actions taken immediately after Habila was found, and the exact time emergency medical services were contacted,” the source reportedly said.
The investigation is expected to include forensic analysis, interviews with witnesses, examination of electronic records where necessary and review of medical evidence.
Officials say every relevant piece of information will be examined before conclusions are reached.
The minister has also responded strongly to allegations circulating on social media regarding the incident.
Umahi has denied involvement in any wrongdoing and warned that he would institute legal proceedings against individuals or organisations found to be publishing false or defamatory information concerning the case.
He maintained that while public interest in the matter is understandable, the spread of unverified claims could undermine ongoing investigations.
However, some questions raised in public discussions regarding the events preceding Habila’s death have yet to receive official clarification, contributing to sustained public curiosity about the case.
Civil society groups, professional associations and members of the public have continued to call for a transparent, impartial and independent investigation capable of restoring public confidence.
Many Nigerians have argued that the sensitive nature of the case requires investigators to ensure that every aspect of the incident is thoroughly examined and that the findings are made public upon completion.
Legal analysts have also stressed the importance of allowing investigators to complete their work without political interference or undue public pressure, noting that the outcome of the autopsy will likely play a central role in determining the next steps in the investigation.
As preparations continue for Mary Habila’s burial, her family has requested prayers and support during what they describe as one of the most painful periods in their lives.
Friends and colleagues have continued to pay tribute to the late physiotherapist, remembering her as a dedicated healthcare professional committed to serving others.
Her death has also renewed conversations about workplace safety, accountability and the need for transparent investigations whenever unexplained deaths occur under sensitive circumstances.
With the funeral scheduled for July 17, attention remains focused on the ongoing police investigation and the anticipated autopsy findings, which many believe will provide critical answers regarding the circumstances surrounding the young physiotherapist’s tragic death.
For now, investigators continue to gather documentary evidence, forensic materials and witness testimonies as they work to establish the facts surrounding one of the country’s most closely watched investigations in recent weeks. Uzorngoladi.
