The Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy (NSP) has clarified that Mary Habila, the 26-year-old woman whose death has generated widespread public attention, was not a registered physiotherapist.
In a statement released on Thursday, the society said checks carried out through the relevant regulatory channels showed that Habila’s name was absent from its official register of licensed physiotherapists.
According to the NSP, the verification was conducted to address public claims about the deceased’s professional status.
The body stated that the clarification highlights the need for public officials, the media and other stakeholders to verify professional credentials through the appropriate regulatory authorities before making public statements.
It stressed that membership of regulated professions should be confirmed through official records rather than assumptions or public perception.
Despite the clarification, the society expressed sympathy to Habila’s family and loved ones, describing her death as a painful loss.
The NSP noted that while it was necessary to correct the record regarding her professional status, the tragedy surrounding her death should not be overshadowed.
Habila died on June 27 at a residence linked to the Minister of Works, David Umahi, in Ebonyi State, an incident that has continued to attract public scrutiny.
Umahi has denied any wrongdoing, saying the deceased was like a daughter to him and insisting there was no evidence of foul play.
He also disclosed that Habila had battled health challenges in the past and that he had supported her medical care.
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According to the minister, she reportedly complained of nose bleeding during a telephone conversation with her boyfriend shortly before she was found dead.
The incident has triggered calls from civil society groups and prominent Nigerians for an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death.
Meanwhile, police investigations are continuing, while an autopsy, expected to help determine the cause of death, has yet to be carried out following reported objections from the deceased’s family on cultural grounds.
