Minister of Works David Umahi has dismissed allegations linking him to the death of Miss Mary Habila, a staff member who died at a ministry guest house in Uburu, Ebonyi State, saying he suspects no foul play and describing attempts to implicate him as “politics taken too far.”

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, Umahi said Habila, whom he described as “like a daughter,” had worked closely with him for about three years. He clarified that she was a nurse employed by the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, Ebonyi, and not a physiotherapist as previously reported.

The minister said Habila had a history of health challenges and had received treatment at a Turkish hospital, with him personally covering her medical expenses. He disclosed that he paid N2.2 million for her most recent treatment in April.

Umahi also recounted what he described as Habila’s final conversation with her boyfriend, claiming she complained of a nosebleed shortly before she was found dead. According to him, the boyfriend advised her to seek medical attention, but communication ended shortly afterward. He said she had also told her boyfriend she intended to take a bath before she stopped responding.

He explained that Habila was later found unconscious after colleagues forced open her locked room when repeated attempts to reach her failed. Umahi noted that the water tap in the bathroom was still running when the room was opened.

The minister stressed that the guest house where the incident occurred is separate from his personal residence and is used to accommodate ministry personnel. He argued that it was unfair to hold him personally responsible because the death occurred in a government facility linked to the ministry.

Umahi appealed to Habila’s family to allow a forensic autopsy to determine the exact cause of death, saying he had directed that her body should not be released for burial until the procedure is conducted. He also disclosed that he had asked the Inspector-General of Police to transfer the investigation to Abuja to ensure a thorough and transparent probe.

He further urged investigators to examine the deceased’s phone records, particularly her final conversation with her boyfriend, which he believes could provide useful information about the circumstances leading to her death.

While maintaining that investigations should continue, Umahi said there was no evidence at this stage to suggest criminal activity. He also criticized the circulation of photographs allegedly taken at the mortuary, accusing some individuals of spreading misleading information, and vowed to pursue legal action against those responsible for what he described as false reports and cyberbullying.

The death of Habila has attracted widespread public attention and calls for an independent investigation. Police investigations are ongoing, while authorities continue efforts to obtain the family’s consent for an autopsy, which investigators consider crucial to establishing the cause of death.