Works minister insists autopsy will be conducted to establish facts as APM calls for his suspension and an independent investigation.
The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has dismissed allegations of foul play in the death of Nurse Mary Habila, describing attempts to link him to the incident as politically motivated.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, Umahi said the late nurse had worked closely with him for three years and was “like a daughter” to him.
“What baffles me in this country is that everything becomes an opportunity. Does it mean that if, God forbid, somebody dies in the Ministry of Works, the minister must be accountable? Are they saying somebody cannot die?” he asked.
The minister disclosed that Habila, a nurse attached to the Federal Medical University, had a history of medical challenges and received treatment at the Turkish Hospital, with expenses reportedly covered by his family.
Providing details of her final moments, Umahi said the deceased had spoken with her boyfriend shortly before her death and complained of bleeding from the nose.
“She told her boyfriend not to end the call, but he did. Three minutes later, he called back, but she was no longer responding,” Umahi said, adding that she was later found dead in her room after the door was forced open.
According to him, Habila was discovered with the bathroom tap still running after colleagues became concerned about her absence.
The minister, who insisted he had no involvement in her death, said an autopsy would be conducted to establish the cause of death, despite reservations reportedly expressed by the deceased’s family.
“If we have hands in the killing, let it follow us and our families. But if we do not, then people should be careful about using the unfortunate death of a young woman for politics,” he stated.
Habila was part of the medical team accompanying Umahi to his hometown in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, where she was found dead within his residential compound.
Meanwhile, the Allied People’s Movement (APM) has called for the immediate suspension of the minister pending an open, independent, and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Abubakar Yusuf, the party argued that allowing Umahi to remain in office while questions persist could undermine public confidence in the government’s commitment to accountability and the rule of law.
Authorities are yet to release the results of the planned autopsy as investigations into the incident continue.