The Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy (NSP) has clarified that the late Mary Habila, whose death has attracted widespread public attention, was not a registered physiotherapist, urging public officials to verify professional credentials before making public statements.
The society made the clarification in a statement posted on its official X handle on Thursday, saying a search of its database showed that Habila’s name was not listed among registered physiotherapists in Nigeria.
The statement comes amid public discussions surrounding the death of Habila, who died on June 27, 2026, at a guest house within the residence of the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, in Uburu, Ebonyi State.
The incident has generated intense debate on social media and in the public space, with conflicting reports about the deceased’s profession and the circumstances surrounding her death.
In its statement, the NSP said it carried out verification through the appropriate regulatory channels before issuing the clarification.
“Following verification through the appropriate regulatory channels, the name ‘Mary Habila,’ as stated, does not appear on the database of registered physiotherapists,” the society said.
The professional body stressed that membership of regulated professions should always be confirmed through official records rather than assumptions or public perception.
According to the NSP, public officials, especially those occupying senior government positions, have a responsibility to ensure that information they present to Nigerians is accurate and can be independently verified.
The society said inaccurate descriptions of regulated professions could create confusion and undermine public confidence in professional standards.
“This development underscores why it is essential that public officials, especially those occupying the highest levels of government, exercise due diligence before presenting or associating individuals with regulated professions,” the statement said.
“Public office carries with it a responsibility to ensure that information placed before Nigerians is accurate and verifiable.”
The NSP noted that professional identity is determined through official registration and licensing processes and not by public opinion or unverified claims.
“The Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy has consistently maintained that professional identity is not a matter of assumption or public perception; it is a matter of verifiable fact.
“Where questions arise, they should be resolved through the appropriate regulatory processes, not through speculation or unverified claims,” it added.
The society said it hopes the clarification will guide future discussions on the matter and encourage greater respect for the integrity of regulated professions.
It also urged all stakeholders, including government officials, media organisations and members of the public, to ensure that professional qualifications are correctly represented.
According to the NSP, both the public and professionals deserve accurate information.
“We trust that this clarification will guide subsequent discussions and remind all stakeholders that the integrity of regulated professions must be respected. The public deserves accuracy, and professionals deserve to have their qualifications and identities represented truthfully,” the statement said.
Despite its clarification on Habila’s professional status, the society said attention should remain on the human tragedy surrounding her death.
The NSP expressed sympathy to her family and loved ones and prayed for the peaceful repose of her soul.
“Finally, while it is important to establish the facts, we must not lose sight of the human tragedy at the heart of this matter. We extend our sincere condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of the deceased, and pray that her soul rests in perfect peace. May they find strength and comfort during this difficult time,” the statement added.
The clarification follows recent comments by Minister of Works David Umahi, who addressed journalists over the circumstances surrounding Habila’s death.
During the briefing, Umahi stated that the deceased was a nurse at the David Umahi Federal University of Medical Sciences, Uburu, and not a physiotherapist, correcting earlier reports that had described her as a physiotherapist.
The minister also revealed details of her final phone conversation with her boyfriend before her death and appealed to her family to allow an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.
According to Umahi, Habila had complained of a nosebleed during the phone call and was later found dead in her room after colleagues forced the door open when she failed to respond to repeated calls the following morning.
He said he had requested that the police conduct a thorough investigation and had also asked his lawyers to seek an autopsy before the body is released for burial.
The death of Mary Habila has continued to attract widespread attention because it occurred within a guest house located inside the minister’s residence in Uburu.
Although police investigations are ongoing, no official cause of death has yet been announced.
The latest statement by the Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy adds another layer of clarification to the public discussion by confirming that Habila was not registered as a physiotherapist.
As investigations into Habila’s death continue, attention is expected to remain focused on the findings of law enforcement authorities and any medical examination that may eventually determine the exact cause of her death.