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.

The National Industrial Court in Abuja has dismissed an application for a stay of execution filed by Dr. Ngozi Unaogu, Medical Director of the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Enugu, reaffirming its earlier judgment that removed her from office and ordered the immediate reinstatement of Prof. Monday Igwe to complete his tenure.
The ruling is contained in a Certified True Copy (CTC) of the court’s decision issued on July 15, 2026, following a ruling delivered by Justice E. D. Subilim. The document was made available to journalists on Thursday.
Counsel to Prof. Igwe, Barr. Michael Okorie, said the dismissal of the stay of execution application means the court’s judgment remains valid, enforceable and binding.
According to Okorie, the implication is that official actions allegedly carried out by Dr. Unaogu since December 11, 2025—the date the court delivered its substantive judgment—including the issuance of appointment letters and award of contracts, are null and void. He also cautioned members of the public against engaging in official dealings with her to avoid being affected by actions that may later be declared invalid.
He further called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to direct the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare to comply with the court’s judgment, saying this would uphold the rule of law and prevent further disruption at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Enugu.
The court had, on December 11, 2025, ruled that the termination of Prof. Igwe’s appointment as Medical Director was unlawful because it did not follow the prescribed disciplinary procedure. It consequently ordered his reinstatement to complete his tenure.
The court also nullified the appointment of Dr. Unaogu, holding that her appointment was made while the matter was still pending before the court, despite her being a party to the suit.
Despite the judgment, Prof. Igwe’s legal team said the defendants had yet to comply with the court’s orders, prompting the filing of contempt proceedings against Dr. Unaogu and other defendants in April 2026.