Father Of Woman Found Dead At Minister Umahi’s Residence Declines Comment While At Ebonyi Morgue Ahead Of Burial
15th July, 2026 | News
Family of Mary Habila Declines Public Comment as Burial Plans Proceed Amid Ongoing Investigation
The family of Mary Habila, the 26-year-old woman who died at the residence of Nigeria’s Minister of Works, David Umahi, has declined to comment publicly on the circumstances surrounding her death as preparations continue for her burial.
Mary’s father, Baba Habila, reportedly collected her body from a morgue in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, on Wednesday ahead of her burial in Nok, Kaduna State, scheduled for Friday.
According to Jerry Andrew Ham, President General of the Ham People and Secretary-General of the Southern Kaduna People’s Union (SOKAPU), the family informed community leaders that they would proceed with the burial and would not request an autopsy before laying her to rest.
When contacted, Baba Habila, overcome with emotion, said he was not in a position to discuss the matter before ending the conversation.
Mary Habila died on June 27, 2026, at Minister Umahi’s residence in Uburu, Ebonyi State. The circumstances surrounding her death remain under investigation by the Ebonyi State Police Command.
The case has attracted widespread public attention following conflicting accounts regarding the events leading to her death. Minister Umahi has confirmed that Mary died at his residence and stated that she was a physiotherapist seconded to the Federal Ministry of Works. He also said he advised the family to consent to an autopsy to determine the cause of death.
However, reports citing police sources have questioned aspects of the minister’s account, including the nature of Mary’s employment and the sequence of events surrounding her death. Investigators have reportedly maintained that forensic examinations remain important as part of the ongoing inquiry.
The investigation is expected to determine the exact circumstances of Mary’s death, including who was present at the residence, the response after she was found unresponsive, and the timeline of events before emergency medical assistance was sought.
Authorities have not yet announced the official cause of death, and investigations remain ongoing.