Kaduna Community Urges Peaceful Burial Amid Alleged Pressure On Family Of Woman Found Dead In Minister Umahi’s Residence

 

In the statement, HAMCDA described Habila as a dedicated healthcare professional whose work as a physiotherapist positively impacted many lives, particularly in Ebonyi State.

The Ham Community Development Association (HAMCDA) Worldwide has appealed to Nigerians to refrain from spreading unverified rumours surrounding the death of 26-year-old physiotherapist Mary Habila, saying her grieving family should be allowed to bury her with dignity while police investigations continue.

The association made the appeal in a statement expressing condolences to Habila’s family over her death on June 27 and calling for restraint as authorities work to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Habila died under controversial circumstances at the residence of Nigeria’s Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, in Uburu, Ebonyi State. Her death has sparked nationwide attention, with police insisting that an autopsy will be conducted as part of ongoing investigations.

In the statement, HAMCDA described Habila as a dedicated healthcare professional whose work as a physiotherapist positively impacted many lives, particularly in Ebonyi State.

“Mary Habila was a dedicated professional whose contributions to healthcare, particularly as a physiotherapist, touched many lives, especially in Ebonyi State. Her untimely death has left her loved ones, colleagues and the wider Ham community in mourning,” the association said.

The group expressed concern over what it described as the circulation of “unverified rumours and sensational claims” regarding the circumstances of Habila’s death, urging members of the public and social media users to stop spreading unsubstantiated information.

“While investigations by relevant authorities are ongoing, we strongly urge members of the public, social media users, and all concerned citizens to immediately desist from spreading false, unsubstantiated, and damaging rumours about the deceased. Her family is hurting and deserves to mourn their daughter,” the statement read.

According to HAMCDA, speculation about the cause of Habila’s death could inflict additional pain on her family, disrupt preparations for her burial and undermine the integrity of ongoing official investigations.

The association called on Nigerians to allow the police and other competent authorities to carry out their duties professionally and transparently without interference from public commentary.

HAMCDA also said it had interacted with Habila’s father and the family’s lawyer and appealed for privacy to enable the family to cope with the tragedy.

“The Ham Community Development Association fully supports the family of Mary Habila in their desire to bury their daughter with dignity and in peace,” the statement said.

“Having interacted with her father and lawyer, we wish to appeal that the family is allowed space for them to focus on managing the tragedy of her sudden and untimely death. Let us offer them our genuine support, prayers and comfort rather than engage in fuelling unnecessary controversy.”

The association also acknowledged Umahi’s response following the incident, saying it appreciated the minister for notifying the police and medical personnel and for engaging with Habila’s family.

It further expressed confidence that the Nigeria Police Force would conduct a thorough investigation to establish the facts surrounding her death.

“We appreciate the Minister for his prompt response in notifying the police and medical personnel, as well as his personal engagement with the family of late Mary who was one of his staff. We also note the involvement of the Nigerian Police Force and trust that they will ensure a thorough investigation… to establish the facts around the cause of her sudden death,” the statement added.

Describing Habila as “a dedicated Ham girl who was detribalised and a true Nigerian,” the association also extended condolences to her fiancé, noting that she had been engaged to be married before her death.

The statement comes days after Habila’s family announced that she would be buried on Friday, July 17, following a funeral service at the Deeper Life Bible Church in Nok, Jaba Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

SaharaReporters had earlier reported that Habila was found dead under controversial circumstances at Umahi’s residence in Uburu, Ebonyi State. The deceased was reportedly found naked when her body was removed from the minister’s quarters, a development that triggered public outrage and widespread calls for a transparent and independent investigation.

Police investigators have maintained that an autopsy is necessary to establish the exact cause of death.

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.

Sources familiar with the investigation previously told SaharaReporters that detectives were reconstructing the timeline of events at the minister’s residence, including who was present, what actions were taken after Habila was discovered and when emergency medical services were contacted.

Umahi has denied any wrongdoing, insisting that he requested a comprehensive autopsy and that the investigation should be allowed to run its course.

He has also threatened legal action against individuals he accused of publishing false information about the case.

The circumstances surrounding Habila’s death remain under investigation.

SOURCE: SAHARA REPORTERS