The Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy (NSP) has said that the name of Mary Habila, the young woman who died at the residence of Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi in Ebonyi State, does not appear in the database of registered physiotherapists, contradicting claims by the minister’s team that she was a physiotherapist on secondment to the Federal Ministry of Works.
The NSP disclosed this in a statement issued by its Public Relations Team on Thursday after verifying Habila’s credentials 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 said.
The society stressed that the development highlights the need for public officials to verify professional claims before making public statements.
“This development underscores why it is essential that public officials, especially those occupying the highest levels of government, exercise due diligence before presenting or associating individuals with regulated professions. Public office carries with it a responsibility to ensure that information placed before Nigerians is accurate and verifiable,” the NSP stated.
The association maintained that professional identity must be established through recognised regulatory processes rather than assumptions.
“The Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy (NSP) has consistently maintained that professional identity is not a matter of assumption or public perception; it is a matter of verifiable fact. Where questions arise, they should be resolved through the appropriate regulatory processes, not through speculation or unverified claims,” the statement added.
“We trust that this clarification will guide subsequent discussions and remind all stakeholders that the integrity of regulated professions must be respected. The public deserves accuracy, and professionals deserve to have their qualifications and identities represented truthfully.”
The NSP also expressed condolences to Habila’s family, noting that the controversy should not overshadow the tragedy of her death.
“Finally, 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. May they find strength and comfort during this difficult time,” the statement added.
The clarification comes days after Umahi, in a statement issued on Saturday by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Francis Nwaze, stated that Habila and another woman, Anita Baski, were physiotherapists employed by the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences (DUFUHS), Uburu, who had been seconded to the Federal Ministry of Works for the past three years.
“It is important to clarify that Miss Mary Habila and Miss Anita Baski are employees of the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, Uburu, who had been on secondment to the Federal Ministry of Works as physiotherapists for the past three years until the unfortunate passing of Miss Habila,” Umahi had said.
Habila died on June 27 under controversial circumstances at the minister’s residence in Uburu, Ebonyi State.
Her death has sparked widespread public interest and an ongoing police investigation, with authorities insisting that a forensic autopsy is necessary to determine the exact cause of death before her body is released for burial.
