Minister of Works, David Umahi, has spoken publicly for the first time on the death of 26-year-old nurse, Mary Habila, describing her as “like a daughter” and dismissing attempts to link him to the incident as politically motivated.

Addressing journalists in Abuja on Thursday, Umahi said Habila had worked closely with him for about three years and was one of his most trusted staff members. He maintained that there was no evidence of foul play and urged Nigerians to allow security agencies to complete their investigation.

The minister clarified that the deceased was a nurse employed by the Federal University of Health Sciences, Ebonyi State, and not a physiotherapist as previously reported.

According to Umahi, Habila had a history of medical challenges and had been receiving treatment at a Turkish hospital, with her medical expenses fully covered by him.

He revealed that shortly before her death, Habila reportedly informed her boyfriend during a telephone conversation that she was experiencing a nosebleed. The boyfriend allegedly advised her to seek medical attention, but communication ceased after she said she was going to take a bath.

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Umahi explained that after repeated calls to her phone went unanswered, concerned colleagues forced open her room and found her lifeless, while the bathroom tap was still running.

The minister emphasized that the guest house where the incident occurred was designated for staff and medical personnel and was located some distance from his private residence, insisting that attempts to personally implicate him were unfair and unfounded.

Describing Habila as a hardworking and dedicated employee, Umahi said her death had deeply affected him.

He appealed to the deceased’s family to consent to a forensic autopsy to determine the exact cause of death, disclosing that he had directed that her body should not be released for burial until the examination is conducted.

According to him, the autopsy has been delayed because the family objected on cultural grounds.

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Umahi also disclosed that he requested the Inspector-General of Police to transfer the investigation to Abuja to ensure a more comprehensive and transparent probe, while facilitating discussions with the bereaved family.

He further stated that Habila had experienced similar episodes of nosebleeding during previous official trips and urged investigators to examine the telephone records between the deceased and her boyfriend, saying they could provide valuable insight into her final moments.

While reiterating that investigations should proceed without interference, the minister said the preliminary information available to him did not suggest any criminal activity.

He also condemned the circulation of photographs allegedly taken at the mortuary, accusing some individuals of exploiting the tragedy to spread misinformation and tarnish reputations.

Umahi warned that his legal team would take action against individuals and media organisations found to have published or circulated false or defamatory information regarding the case.

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By Our Reporter
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has charged Commanding Officers of the Nigerian Army to strengthen operational effectiveness by continuously enhancing their leadership capacity and ensuring prudent management of resources in the discharge of their responsibilities as tactical commanders.
The COAS gave the charge on Monday while declaring open the Second Commanding Officers’ Workshop 2026 at the Headquarters 82 Division Dragon Officers’ Mess in Enugu.
The five-day workshop is themed, “Enhancing Tactical Level Leadership in a Joint and Multi-Agency Environment.”
Represented by the Chief of Training (Army), Major General V. U. Okoro, Lt.-Gen. Shaibu described the workshop as timely, given the nation’s evolving security challenges and the increasing need for effective tactical leadership.
He stressed the importance of strengthening leadership, operational effectiveness and administrative competence, noting that Commanding Officers play a critical role in translating strategic military objectives into successful tactical operations.
According to him, the workshop aligns with his Command Philosophy of transforming the Nigerian Army into a more professional, adaptable, combat-ready and resilient force capable of operating effectively within joint and multi-agency environments.
The Army Chief urged participants to actively engage in the lectures, discussions and syndicate problem-solving sessions, expressing confidence that the knowledge gained would equip them with innovative approaches to addressing contemporary operational challenges.
Earlier, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division, Major General Oluremi Fadairo, welcomed participants and described the workshop as an important platform for Commanding Officers to review their leadership approaches, improve professional competence and consolidate operational achievements.
He expressed appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff for approving and supporting the workshop, as well as for his continued support to the operations of the 82 Division.
Maj.-Gen. Fadairo encouraged participants to remain focused throughout the programme and apply the lessons learned to improve the administration and operational effectiveness of their respective units.
The opening ceremony featured the presentation of souvenirs to dignitaries and a group photograph with participants.

By Okey Maduforo, Awka
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has expressed concern over the safety of its Financial Secretary, Loretta Ijeoma Ebere, following reports that she may face deportation or administrative removal from the United Kingdom to Nigeria.
Ebere, who was also said to have served as the organisation’s provost in Croydon, is reportedly seeking to remain in the UK, citing fears for her safety if returned to Nigeria. According to IPOB, its members have allegedly been subjected to arrests and prolonged detention in Nigeria because of the group’s separatist activities.
In a statement issued by the organisation’s spokesperson in the United Kingdom, Comrade Okey Okoye, IPOB appealed to the UK authorities to reconsider any decision that could result in Ebere’s removal.
Okoye alleged that Ebere’s family had suffered intimidation and persecution, claiming that three of her relatives from her hometown had been missing for between three and four years.
“We have been monitoring the situation involving our sister, Loretta Ijeoma Ebere, and her family since the struggle for the independence of the Biafran Republic began,” he said.
“Three of her relatives have been missing for over three to four years, and their whereabouts remain unknown.”
He urged the UK authorities to halt any deportation process, insisting that IPOB could not guarantee Ebere’s safety if she returned to Nigeria.
“We appeal to the United Kingdom authorities to reconsider their position on this matter because we cannot guarantee her safety. It would be unfortunate if she is deported and something unpleasant happens to her,” Okoye stated.
According to the statement, Ebere has been actively involved in campaigns calling for the release of IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, who remains in the custody of Nigeria’s Department of State Services (DSS). IPOB alleged that her advocacy had resulted in increased scrutiny of her family by Nigerian security agencies.
The claims made by IPOB regarding the alleged disappearance of Ebere’s relatives and the circumstances surrounding her deportation proceedings have not been independently verified. There has also been no official response from the Nigerian government or the UK authorities at the time of filing this report.

As political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Enugu State, various groups, communities, local government areas and political stakeholders have continued to identify with Governor Peter Mbah, citing his administration’s developmental strides across the state.

The latest show of solidarity came from prominent stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area, who paid a courtesy and solidarity visit to Governor Peter Mbah, pledging their total support for him and all APC candidates in the local government during the 2027 general elections.

The stakeholders expressed appreciation to the governor for the ongoing construction of the Igogoro–Amachalla–Ikpamodo–Okpo–Amaja Road, describing the project as a major intervention that would improve connectivity, boost economic activities and enhance the standard of living of residents in the affected communities.

They commended Governor Mbah for what they described as his commitment to equitable development across Enugu State and assured him of their readiness to mobilise support for his administration and the APC in the coming elections.

Responding, Governor Mbah thanked the delegation for their solidarity and confidence in his administration.

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He assured them that the Igogoro–Amachalla–Ikpamodo–Okpo–Amaja Road project would be completed in record time in line with his administration’s commitment to delivering quality infrastructure.

The governor also announced plans to establish a Government Technical College in Igbo-Eze North to equip young people with practical and vocational skills, as well as an additional Smart Green School to further strengthen access to quality education in the area.

He reiterated his administration’s resolve to ensure that no part of Enugu State is left behind in its development agenda, promising to continue implementing projects that would positively impact the lives of the people.

The APC delegation was led by notable stakeholders, including former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Simon Atigwe; member representing Igbo-Eze North Constituency II in the Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Clifford Obe; APC State Financial Secretary, Hon. Ejike Itodo; APC South-East Zonal Woman Leader, Dr. Oby Arji; and the APC Chairman in Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area, Dr. Solomon Ogili, among others.

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