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From Isaac Anumihe, Abuja
Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, who has been embroiled in a controversy regarding the death of Mary Habila, yesterday, said that the deceased was battling with a strange illness, noting that spent over ₦2.2 million of his own funds for her treatment.
Addressing newsmen on the issue in Abuja, the minister said that the deceased had been battling health challenges and was receiving treatment at the Turkish Hospital, with all her medical expenses paid by him.
Providing details of the events leading to her death, Umahi said that Habila had spoken with her boyfriend shortly before she died and complained of nose-bleeding.
He said the boyfriend advised her to seek immediate medical attention.
“The boyfriend called back about three minutes later, but she did not answer,” he said.
Umahi explained that after repeated attempts to reach her failed, her room was forced open and she was found dead.
The bathroom tap was still running after she had earlier informed her boyfriend that she was going to take a bath.
“The guest house where she stayed is nowhere near where I live. Does it mean that if someone dies in the Ministry of Works, the minister must automatically be held responsible?” he asked.
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The minister admitted that the deceased was one of the medical personnel assigned to attend to him at both the guest house and his official residence in Asokoro, insisting there was no basis for the allegations being circulated.
Umahi also defended another medical staff member mentioned in a report, explaining that he had worked with her since his days as governor before securing federal employment.
According to the minister, Habila’s family initially objected to an autopsy on cultural grounds, but he instructed his lawyers to insist on medical records, directing that her body should not be released until the examination is carried out.
He said the matter had been reported to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) with a request that the investigation be handled in Abuja.
Umahi appealed to the deceased’s family to co-operate with investigators by consenting to the autopsy, saying that it’s the best way to determine the actual cause of death.
Umahi described the loss as deeply painful adding that Habila was one of his most dedicated staff members and would be difficult to replace.
He urged Nigerians to refrain from spreading misinformation and allow the police investigation to run its course. He maintained that all relevant medical records from the Turkish Hospital were available to assist investigators.
Umahi dismissed allegations linking him to the incident, noting that Habila had lived with his family for three years. The minister also debunked reports describing the deceased as a physiotherapist, clarifying that she was a nurse and a staff member of the Federal University of Health Sciences.
