Mary Habila was not a registered Physiotherapist, says NSP

The Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy on Thursday said the name “Mary Habila” does not appear on its register of licensed physiotherapists, amid ongoing public attention over the death of the 26-year-old health worker at a residence linked to the Minister of Works, David Umahi.

The society made the clarification in a statement posted on its official X page on Thursday, following what it described as verification through 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 statement read.

The NSP said the development underscored the need for public officials, particularly those in high office, to exercise due diligence before presenting or associating individuals with regulated professions.

It stressed that professional identity should be established through verifiable records rather than assumptions or public perception, adding that any questions regarding qualifications should be resolved through the appropriate regulatory processes rather than speculation or unverified claims.

The society further urged stakeholders to respect the integrity of regulated professions, stating that “the public deserves accuracy, and professionals deserve to have their qualifications and identities represented truthfully.”

Despite the clarification, the NSP expressed sympathy over the death of Habila, saying, “While it is important to establish the facts, we must not lose sight of the human tragedy at the heart of this matter. We extend our sincere condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of the deceased, and pray that her soul rests in perfect peace.”

The statement comes amid public scrutiny surrounding the death of Mary Habila, who died on June 27 at a residence linked to the Minister of Works, David Umahi, in Ebonyi State.

On Thursday, Umahi denied any wrongdoing describing the deceased as “like a daughter” and insisting there was no evidence of foul play. He said she had worked closely with him for years, had a history of medical challenges for which he personally funded treatment, and disclosed that she reportedly complained of nose bleeding during a phone conversation with her boyfriend shortly before she was found dead.

The death has attracted widespread attention, prompting calls from some groups, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, for an independent investigation and for Umahi to step aside pending the outcome of police investigations. An autopsy, considered critical to determining the cause of death, has yet to be conducted following reported objections by the deceased’s family on cultural grounds, while police investigations continue.