The Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy (NSP) has refuted reports that Mary Habila, the 26-year-old woman whose death in Ebonyi State is currently under investigation, was a registered physiotherapist, contrary to initial claims about her occupation.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the NSP said a verification conducted via the proper regulatory channels revealed that the name “Mary Habila” is not registered on their platform as a practicing physiotherapist. According to the professional body, the clarification was necessitated due to public pronouncements describing the deceased as a qualified physiotherapist.
The NSP also used the opportunity to underscore the necessity of corroborating one’s credentials prior to claiming such professional identity.
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The statement added, “We must always refer to verifiable, officially recorded information when attesting to someone’s professional identity in regulated fields.
Any questions about qualifications or affiliations with a regulated profession should be resolved through due processes established for such verification.
“Although her identity has been corrected, the NSP wishes to extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Mary Habila. Her passing is a human tragedy that must not be overshadowed by debate over her professional designation,” it stated.
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This clarification comes amid ongoing public scrutiny surrounding the circumstances of her death on June 27, at premises connected with the Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. David Umahi in Ebonyi State.
Mr. Umahi had denied any foul play and noted that Ms. Habila, who had been working with him for years and had a pre-existing medical condition for which he paid for treatment, was discovered unconscious after complaining of a nosebleed in a phone call with her boyfriend.
He has also maintained that there was no foul play, advocated for a forensic autopsy to determine the cause of death and confirmed that Ms. Habila had a long history of medical issues for which he provided treatment, including funding surgery and medication.
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An investigation is underway by the Ebonyi State Police Command, but the autopsy has been postponed pending resolutions with the deceased’s family, which cited cultural reasons.
A growing chorus of political actors, human rights activists and political opposition parties are calling for a transparent and impartial investigation into Ms. Habila’s demise.
