Sowore Insists on Coroner’s Inquest Before Burial of Physiotherapist Who Died at Umahi’s Home

Sowore Insists on Coroner’s Inquest Before Burial of Physiotherapist Who Died at Umahi’s Home.

The death of a young physiotherapist at the residence of Nigeria’s Works Minister has taken a fresh turn, with human rights activist Omoyele Sowore calling for a coroner’s inquest and warning against any hurried burial that could compromise the search for answers.

Mary Habila, a 26-year-old physiotherapist, died on June 27, 2026, at the country home of Minister David Umahi in Uburu, Ebonyi State . The circumstances surrounding her death have continued to generate public discussion, with many Nigerians demanding transparency.

Sowore, a presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), took to his verified Facebook page to insist that justice requires a thorough investigation before any burial takes place.

“There MUST be a coroner’s inquest into the death of Mary Habila at the residence of Tinubu’s Minister of Works, David Umahi,” Sowore wrote.

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The activist pointed to what he described as the mysterious manner of her death and the unanswered questions about why she was at the minister’s residence . He called for all appropriate investigative and forensic procedures, including an autopsy, to be completed before any burial.

“Any attempt at hurried burial by her family must be resisted,” Sowore stated .

Sowore noted that reports indicate Habila died with blood coming from her mouth, which he argued suggests her death was unnatural and should be subjected to forensic examination.

He also referenced previous allegations of unexplained deaths involving persons connected to the minister, including the deaths of five NELAN engineers that he said remain unresolved to date.

The five engineers went missing in November 2021 while working on an African Development Bank-funded ring road project in Ebonyi State . Their families have maintained that the case was not properly handled and have called for a fresh investigation . They have rejected claims that the incident was a by-product of communal unrest, insisting that critical facts have been distorted.

Minister Umahi has since responded to the incident, dismissing claims that the death was handled in secrecy . He explained that it was the deceased’s family members who became concerned, forced open her door, and called doctors from the David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital, who tried to revive her without success.

“The family broke the girl’s door, called doctors from DUFUTH, who took her to the hospital and did everything to revive her, but failed,” Umahi said . “The family reported the matter to the police, so where is the secrecy?” .

The minister stated that he had directed that an autopsy be conducted with the consent of Habila’s parents to determine the cause of death . He also announced that he has instructed his lawyers to take legal action against individuals circulating what he described as false reports about the incident.

Meanwhile, the family of the late physiotherapist has announced that her funeral service will be held on Friday, July 17, 2026, at the Deeper Life Bible Church in Nok, Jaba Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The announcement has come amid ongoing police investigations into the circumstances surrounding her death . Reports indicate that police investigators have insisted on an autopsy and have rejected any move to release the body for burial before forensic examinations are completed.

As the family prepares to lay Mary Habila to rest, pressure continues to mount on authorities to ensure a transparent investigation that provides answers to the questions surrounding the young physiotherapist’s death.