AWC PUBLIC AFFAIRS DESK

Abuja — The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has revealed that the late nurse, Mary Habila, spoke with her boyfriend shortly before her death and complained that she was bleeding from the nose.

Umahi made the disclosure on Thursday, July 16, 2026, while addressing journalists in Abuja over the circumstances surrounding the death of Habila, a staff member of the ministry who died at a guest facility linked to the ministry in Uburu, Ebonyi State.

The minister said Habila was a dedicated staff member whom he regarded as a daughter, adding that she had worked closely with him for about three years. He also disclosed that he had previously supported her medical treatment due to some health challenges.

According to Umahi, the conversation between Habila and her boyfriend shortly before her death provided an account of her final moments.

“She spoke to her boyfriend at the hour of her death and complained that she was bleeding from the nose,” Umahi was quoted as saying.

He explained that the boyfriend advised her to seek medical attention after she reported the bleeding.

Umahi said Habila later told her boyfriend that the bleeding had stopped and that she wanted to take a bath. According to the minister, the conversation ended after the boyfriend expressed concern and advised her not to continue with activities that could worsen her condition.

The minister stated that subsequent attempts to reach her were unsuccessful until she was later found unconscious in her room.

Umahi further said the circumstances surrounding the incident did not, in his view, indicate foul play, explaining that the room was locked from inside and had to be forced open before her body was discovered.

He dismissed insinuations linking him personally to the incident, describing Habila as a valued member of staff and expressing sympathy over her death.

However, the circumstances surrounding the nurse’s death are expected to remain subject to official investigation to establish the full facts and provide clarity for her family, colleagues, and the public.