Controversy Trails Burial Plans for Physiotherapist Found Dead at Minister’s Residence

(Mary Habila. Photo by Daily Post)

Mary Habila, the late 26-year-old physiotherapist whose body was discovered unclothed at the residence of Works Minister David Umahi, is set to be buried despite widespread public calls for an autopsy.

Habila, popularly known as Mara, is said to have served as Umahi’s personal physiotherapist. She reportedly d!ed on June 27, 2026, at Umahi’s residence in Uburu, Ebonyi State, under questionable circumstances.

Following news of her impending burial, many Nigerians have called on the government to investigate the incident, citing similar allegations previously made against the minister.

Despite an ongoing police investigation into the circumstances surrounding Habila’s d£ath, her family has announced Friday, July 17, 2026, as the burial date.

This development has continued to generate controversy, with social media users demanding a transparent and independent probe into the matter, particularly given reports that she was found unclothed inside the minister’s residence.

Reacting to the incident online, a user claiming to be from the minister’s home state alleged that Umahi “has so many stories of people dying at his hand.”

Another user commented that numerous women have previously spoken out online about alleged sexual harassment by Umahi, but that such claims had not been taken seriously by many Nigerians, adding that the current situation suggests deeper issues beyond sexual misconduct.

A third user alleged that the case would be difficult to pursue fairly, claiming undue influence over the judiciary and investigative bodies in the state.

 Sharing images of the minister, another user criticised what they described as impunity for powerful individuals in Nigeria, arguing that the law tends to apply more strictly to ordinary citizens than to those in positions of authority.