The family of 26-year-old physiotherapist, Mary Habila, popularly known as Mara, has announced the burial arrangements for the young healthcare professional who was found dead under controversial circumstances at the residence of Nigeria’s Minister of Works, David Umahi, in Ebonyi State.
The announcement comes as police investigations into the circumstances surrounding her death continue, while investigators insist that an autopsy will be carried out to determine the exact cause of death.
SaharaReporters had exclusively reported that Habila died at the minister’s official residence in Uburu, Ebonyi State, last Sunday.
The deceased, who was serving as a physiotherapist, was reportedly found naked when her body was removed from the minister’s quarters, a development that has continued to fuel public outrage and demands for transparency over the circumstances surrounding her death.
According to a funeral announcement released by her family, Mary Habila was born on September 18, 2000, and died on June 27, 2026, at the age of 26.
The family disclosed that her funeral service will be held 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.
Relatives, friends, colleagues, church members and sympathisers are expected to gather in Nok to pay their final respects to the late physiotherapist, whose sudden death has left her family and community devastated.
The circumstances surrounding Habila’s death have remained the subject of intense public scrutiny since Minister Umahi confirmed that she died at his residence.
The minister had claimed that the deceased was a physiotherapist who had been seconded from the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences to the Federal Ministry of Works.
Umahi also maintained that he had requested a comprehensive autopsy to establish the exact cause of her death, insisting that the investigation should be allowed to run its full course.
Police authorities have also insisted that an autopsy is necessary as part of ongoing investigations into the incident.
The case has continued to attract widespread attention across Nigeria, with many Nigerians calling for a thorough, transparent and independent investigation into the circumstances that led to Habila’s death, particularly following reports that she was found naked inside the minister’s residence.
As the family prepares to lay Mary Habila to rest on July 17, expectations remain high that the ongoing police investigation and the outcome of the autopsy will provide answers to the questions surrounding the tragic death of the young physiotherapist.
SaharaReporters previously reported that police sources familiar with the investigation into the death of Habila say investigators are examining the sequence of events at the residence of Nigeria’s Minister of Works, David Umahi, after Habila was found unresponsive.
According to the sources who spoke with SaharaReporters, police investigators are looking into allegations that the minister left his country home shortly after the incident while aides arranged for an ambulance.
The sources added that they are seeking to establish a detailed timeline of events, including who was present, what actions were taken, and when emergency services were contacted.
“Investigators are seeking to establish the actual timeline, including who was present at the residence, what actions were taken after Habila was discovered, and when emergency medical assistance was requested,” a top source said
The minister Umahi had been forced to publicly address the controversy surrounding Habila’s death and has denied wrongdoing.
He has also threatened legal action against individuals he says have published alleged false information about the matter. However, he has not publicly addressed every allegation circulating about the events at his residence.
The circumstances surrounding Mary Habila’s death remain under investigation. Investigators continue to gather evidence, including witness statements and forensic material, as they work to determine the cause and circumstances of her death.
(SaharaReporters)
