Fresh details have emerged over the professional credentials of Mary Habila, the woman who died at the home of Minister of Works David Umahi. Sources from a university have now alleged she was working as a Community Health Extension Worker (CHEW) as opposed to a physiotherapist. The latest claims, however, could not be independently confirmed by authorities, and remain part of the larger ongoing scrutiny of the case.
According to several sources mentioned by Sahara Reporters, Mary Habila was employed on the payroll of the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences (DUFUHS), Uburu, as a Community Health Extension Worker.
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The sources reportedly argued that Habila lacked the qualifications of a physiotherapist as previously claimed to the minister’s office. The allegations have come to light shortly after Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy (NSP) announced it had not been able to find Mary Habila in its register after verification of professional credentials.
The NSP said it was unable to ascertain whether she was a licensed physiotherapist despite the minister’s claim. Sahara Reporters earlier claimed the deceased had been seconded from DUFUHS to the Ministry of Works as a physiotherapist.
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The publication reported it obtained access to payroll records which confirmed both Habila and Anita Baaki (the other employee of the minister) were listed on the payroll of DUFUHS, receiving their wages through the Federal Government’s integrated payment system (IPPIS).
The report revealed the records backed assertions that both women were university employees although questions linger about Habila’s role at DUFUHS. Her death remains under investigation, as Minister Umahi had confirmed that she died at his Uburu residence in Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, and publicly appealed for an autopsy. He said a criminal investigation was also ongoing.
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In a related report by Sahara Reporters, DUFUHS management warned employees against any unauthorized commentary on the ongoing case, advising that official communications be channeled through specified university bodies.
Federal Ministry of Works and DUFUHS had not yet commented publicly on the allegations about Habila’s professional qualifications at the time of filing this report, and no court of law had passed any judgment on the allegations highlighted by Sahara Reporters.
