TD Confusion has gripped Ebonyi State following the sudden death of a young woman, identified as Mary Habbila, inside the country home of Nigeria’s Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area.
The incident reportedly occurred on June 27, 2026, just a day after Habbila arrived at the residence with another woman, Anita Baski.
Conflicting Accounts
While Sahara Reporters described the deceased as a visitor from Kaduna State, News Express reported that the victim was a medical staff member attached to the residence.
This discrepancy has fueled speculation and heightened public demand for clarity on her identity and role.
Timeline of Events
- June 26, 2026: Habbila and Baski were reportedly brought from Kaduna to Umahi’s residence.
- June 27, 2026: Habbila was found dead under unclear circumstances.
- Immediate Response: Jonathan Bawado, Umahi’s Personal Assistant and a police officer, alerted medical personnel.
A doctor and ambulance were dispatched.
- Police Notification: CSP Tobechukwu Godwin, DPO of Ohaozara Division, was informed.
- Body Transfer: The deceased was taken to a mortuary, with identification details handed to Ebonyi Police Command.
Investigation Meets Stone Walls
The case has since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Abakaliki, for further inquiry.
However, as of now, no official autopsy report has been released, and the cause of death remains undisclosed.
Authorities have remained largely silent:
- Umahi’s Personal Assistant declined comment.
- Ebonyi Commissioner of Police, Hope Urunwa Okafor, did not respond to calls.
- Police PRO, SP Joshua Ukandu, said he was unaware of the incident.
- Umahi’s media aide, Francis Nwaze, hung up when contacted.
Public Reaction
The silence from both the Ebonyi State Government and the Federal Ministry of Works has intensified public concern.
Civil society groups and commentators are demanding transparency, urging authorities to conduct and publish an autopsy report.
Given Umahi’s position as a serving minister and former governor, the case has drawn national attention, with many asking why such a high-profile incident has not been addressed publicly.
What Next?
The SCID investigation is expected to determine whether foul play was involved.
Nigerians await clarity on:
- The true identity of the deceased (visitor or medical staff).
- The circumstances surrounding her sudden death.
- Whether Umahi was present at the residence at the time.
Until official findings are released, speculation continues to dominate public discourse.
In the meantime, the incident has continued to raise broader questions about accountability and transparency in government circles.
