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A cloud of controversy has enveloped Nigeria’s Minister of Works, David Umahi, following the death of a young woman inside his private residence in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, with conflicting accounts of the incident fueling widespread public concern and renewed calls for an independent investigation.
The deceased, identified as Mary Habila, reportedly travelled from Kaduna State to Uburu alongside another woman, Mary Baski, before the tragic incident occurred. According to reports and public statements that have since emerged, Habila died inside the minister’s residence, while her body was allegedly evacuated from the premises by ambulance.
The incident gained national attention after Sahara Reporters published an exclusive report on July 12, 2026, alleging that the young woman died under mysterious circumstances inside Umahi’s residence. The report prompted the minister to issue a public response, disputing key aspects of the publication and presenting a different account of the events.
In his response, Umahi reportedly stated that the two women were physiotherapists employed by the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences who had been assigned to provide physiotherapy services for him at his country home in Uburu.
Sahara Reporters, however, challenged that explanation, alleging that the women travelled from Kaduna to visit the minister for reasons unrelated to any official medical assignment. The publication also claimed to possess video footage allegedly showing the evacuation of the deceased’s body from the residence and questioned the minister’s account.
The conflicting narratives have since sparked intense public debate and attracted reactions from lawyers, journalists, civil society advocates and political commentators, many of whom have called for a transparent investigation to establish the facts.
Lawyer and media entrepreneur Chukwudi Iwuchukwu, in a Facebook post, noted the glaring contradictions between the minister’s explanation and Sahara Reporters’ report, arguing that only a thorough and impartial investigation can determine what truly transpired.
Similarly, journalist Fejiro Oliver questioned the handling of the incident, including whether established legal procedures were followed after the death, while calling for the minister to be subjected to the same level of scrutiny that any ordinary citizen would face under similar circumstances.
Media personality Kel Armstrong Amobi also criticised what he described as selective public outrage, arguing that the reaction would likely have been different if the incident had involved another prominent political figure. He urged the authorities to ensure justice is pursued without fear or favour.
As of the time of filing this report, The MeridianSpy understands that there has been no official findings had been released by the Nigeria Police Force or any other investigative agency regarding the exact cause of Mary Habila’s death. Meanwhile, Umahi has publicly supported an autopsy to determine the cause of death, maintaining that the allegations against him are false.
The MeridianSpy can report that the circumstances surrounding the young woman’s death remain unresolved. Key questions, including the purpose of the visit, the events leading to her death, and whether all legal and investigative procedures were promptly followed, remain unanswered.
Until the relevant authorities conclude a comprehensive investigation, the death of Mary Habila is likely to remain a subject of intense public scrutiny, with many Nigerians demanding clarity, accountability and justice.
