The Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy has said that the name of the late Mary Habila does not appear in the database of registered physiotherapists, contradicting earlier statements by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, describing her as a physiotherapist.
The professional association disclosed this in an official statement after conducting verification through what it described as the appropriate regulatory channels.
“Following verification through the appropriate regulatory channels, the name ‘Mary Habila,’ as stated, does not appear on the database of registered physiotherapists,” the society said.
The clarification follows widespread reports describing Habila as a physiotherapist attached to the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences and seconded to the Federal Ministry of Works.
Umahi’s media office had stated that Habila and her colleague, Anita Baaki, were employees of the university who had been deployed to the ministry as physiotherapists for about three years.
The minister also repeatedly described Habila as a physiotherapist while responding to questions surrounding her death at a staff chalet within his country home in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
However, the society’s statement challenges the professional description given to Habila and raises questions about the capacity in which she was employed by the university or deployed to the ministry.
The development also appears to support the account contained in a sworn affidavit filed before the Ebonyi State High Court by Habila’s close friend and colleague, Anita Baaki.
In the affidavit, Baaki reportedly identified herself as a physiotherapist but described Habila as a nurse attached to the David Umahi Federal University of Medical Sciences and seconded to the Federal Ministry of Works.
Baaki said she travelled with Habila and other ministry officials from Abuja to Ebonyi State on June 24, 2026, for an official assignment.
According to her, the officials were accommodated in separate but adjoining rooms in a staff chalet located within the minister’s country home.
She stated that she last saw Habila alive on the evening of June 26, when the deceased visited her room to show her a new hairstyle.
The following morning, concerns were raised after repeated telephone calls and knocks on Habila’s door went unanswered.
Baaki said the door was eventually forced open and Habila was found unconscious on the floor near the entrance. She was taken to the David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
Umahi subsequently called for an autopsy and a forensic investigation to determine the cause of Habila’s death, while maintaining that police officers and medical personnel were notified after she was discovered unconscious.
The minister’s office also urged the public to avoid speculation and allow the relevant authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Habila’s father, Tanko Habila, has, however, asked that the police investigation be discontinued and his daughter’s remains released to the family for burial.
In an affidavit dated July 13, 2026, he reportedly stated that the family did not suspect foul play and would not participate in further police or court proceedings relating to the death.
The Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy is the recognised national professional association representing physiotherapists in Nigeria and has been a member of World Physiotherapy since 1967.
The society’s statement was limited to its findings concerning Habila’s reported professional status. It did not comment on the cause of her death or make any allegation against Umahi or any other person.
The absence of the name “Mary Habila” from the database, as stated by the society, does not by itself rule out the possibility that her records may exist under another name or variation. It nevertheless directly disputes public statements categorically identifying her as a registered physiotherapist.
The post “Mary Habila’s Name Not On Registered Physiotherapists’ Database” — Society Counters Umahi’s Claim appeared first on TheNigeriaLawyer.
