Police sources familiar with the investigation into the death of a physiotherapist, Mary 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 earlier reported that fresh details emerged in the investigation into the death of Habila at the residence of Umahi, with police sources familiar with the case disputing aspects of the minister’s public account.
Police sources involved in the investigation told SaharaReporters that they did not believe the deceased woman and another woman were employees of the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, as claimed by the minister.
According to the police sources, lawyers acting on behalf of the minister sought the release of Habila’s body for burial in Ebonyi State.
“Investigators however declined the request, maintaining that the death remains under active investigation and that releasing the body before the necessary forensic and investigative processes are concluded would be inappropriate given the public interest in the case,” a top source informed SaharaReporters on Monday.
Other sources said investigators had received information suggesting that members of Habila’s family were being pressured not to insist on an autopsy.
The New York-based on-line publication had exclusively reported on Sunday that Habila, a Physiotherapist, was reportedly found naked when her body was removed from the minister’s residence.
Umahi, confirmed that Mary Habila died at his residence in Uburu, Ebonyi State, claiming that she was a physiotherapist seconded to the Federal Ministry of Works from the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences.
Source: SaharaReporters
