The Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy (NSP) has stated that Mary Habila, the young woman who died under controversial circumstances at the residence of the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, was not a registered physiotherapist, contradicting an earlier claim by the minister’s team.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the society said checks conducted through the relevant regulatory authorities showed that Habila’s name was not listed in the official register of licensed physiotherapists in Nigeria.
According to the NSP, the outcome of its verification underscores the importance of public officials confirming professional credentials before making public declarations.
The association stressed that professional status in regulated fields must be established through recognised regulatory processes and not through assumptions or unverified claims.
It also urged stakeholders to uphold the integrity of regulated professions by ensuring that information presented to the public is factual and verifiable.
While clarifying Habila’s professional status, the NSP expressed sympathy to her family, saying the controversy surrounding her qualifications should not overshadow the tragedy of her death.
The clarification comes days after a statement issued by Francis Nwaze, Senior Special Assistant on Media to Minister David Umahi, claimed that Habila and another woman, Anita Baski, were physiotherapists employed by the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, Uburu, and had been on secondment to the Federal Ministry of Works for three years.
Mary Habila died on June 27 at Umahi’s residence in Uburu, Ebonyi State, in circumstances that have continued to generate public attention.
Police authorities are investigating the incident and have maintained that a forensic autopsy is required to determine the exact cause of death before her remains can be released to her family for burial.
