By Yakubu Bello
The remains of Mary Habila, 26, who was reportedly found dead in her sleep at the residence of Senator David Umahi, have been laid to rest in Kaduna in a quiet ceremony that has drawn fresh attention to lingering questions surrounding her death.
According to reports circulating online and shared widely on social media, Habila was discovered unresponsive at Senator Umahi’s home. Details of the circumstances leading to her death remain unclear. Weeks after the incident, family members proceeded with burial in Kaduna without a public autopsy, a decision that has sparked debate among observers and members of the public calling for clarity.
Sources close to the family say the burial was kept low-key, with only close relatives and a few associates in attendance. The quiet nature of the rites has fueled speculation, with many online commentators asking why a full investigation and autopsy were not pursued more publicly.
“There’s still disagreement over an autopsy and many questions about her death at the Senator’s house remain unanswered,” one post that has been widely shared noted. The post also claimed that “the family prefers not to pursue the matter further,” though independent confirmation of the family’s position could not be obtained at the time of filing this report.
Senator David Umahi, who currently serves as Minister of Works and is a former governor of Ebonyi State, has denied culpability even as members of the general public remain apprehensive. Attempts to reach representatives of the Minister’s office for comment were unsuccessful.
The case has reignited conversations about accountability, transparency, and the handling of deaths that occur in private residences of public officials.
Some concerned groups and individuals have urged authorities to ensure that due process is followed whenever a death occurs under unclear circumstances, regardless of who is involved. They argue that a transparent process, including an independent autopsy where there are questions, helps preserve public trust and gives closure to families.
On social media, reactions have been mixed. Some users expressed sympathy for Habila’s family and called for prayers, writing “May her soul rest in peace.” Others questioned the decision to proceed with burial without resolving outstanding questions, noting that public figures have a responsibility to address concerns that arise around incidents linked to them.
There are also concerns that family members or next of kin of the deceased have not taken any overt action aimed at seeking redress on the matter.
Commentators also point out that public interest cases often benefit from clear communication from all parties involved to prevent rumors and misinformation from filling the vacuum.
As at press time, neither Habila’s family members nor authorities have spoken about any latest recovery. Habila has been buried in Kaduna. The circumstances of her death at Senator Umahi’s residence remain a subject of public discussion, with calls for more information continuing online even as her family appears to have chosen a private path forward.
