Umahi denies cover-up in nurse's death, takes legal action against critics

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Minister of works, Sen. David Umahi, says he has initiated legal action against individuals spreading what he described as false reports about a nurse’s death.

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The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports social media claims alleged secrecy surrounding the death of nurse Mary Habila inside Umahi’s compound in his hometown.

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Umahi spoke on Sunday while inspecting work along the Ebonyi section of the Calabar–Ebonyi–Benue–Nasarawa–Abuja Super Highway.

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He said his lawyers had been fully briefed to pursue legal action against those responsible for circulating the alleged defamatory reports.

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Umahi condemned what he described as defamatory activities by “evil people who claim to be freedom fighters”, insisting such conduct should never be tolerated.

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He explained that the deceased’s family forced open her room after becoming concerned and immediately sought medical assistance.

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“The family broke the girl’s door and called doctors from DUFUTH, who took her to the hospital and did everything to revive her but failed,” he said.

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Umahi said the incident was promptly reported to the police, questioning claims that the circumstances surrounding the nurse’s death were concealed.

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“The family reported the matter to the police, so where is the secrecy?” the minister asked.

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He disclosed that the deceased’s parents, currently in Ebonyi, would address journalists and also institute legal proceedings against those spreading the alleged falsehood.

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Umahi said he had directed that an autopsy be conducted, adding that the procedure would only proceed with the consent of the deceased’s parents.

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“The death of the purveyors of such falsehood will be worse because you don’t do content creation with someone’s death,” he said.

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He added that everyone would eventually answer God’s call, describing the late nurse as a dedicated employee of David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital.

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“The deceased was a good nurse who checked my medical vital signs and worked with me for three years,” Umahi said.

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The minister also dismissed reports linking him to an alleged kidnap suspect reportedly recruited into the Ebonyi security outfit, Ebubeagu.

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“Can the purveyors of such news provide a photograph of me and such person?” he asked.

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Umahi said he could not possibly know everyone recruited into the security outfit during his tenure as Ebonyi governor, insisting the suspect was unknown to him.

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He reiterated his support for severe punishment against kidnappers, saying kidnapping was a crime no one should wish even upon an enemy.

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Umahi maintained that the reports were politically motivated, expressing readiness to confront misinformation and defend his reputation through lawful means. (NAN)

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