THUR JULY 16 2026-theGBJournal| The Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy (NSP) has said that a woman identified as Mary Habila, whose death has drawn public attention after reports linked it to the residence of Nigeria’s Minister of Works, David Umahi, was not a registered physiotherapist, urging public officials to verify professional credentials before making public statements.
In a statement issued by its public relations team, the NSP said checks conducted through the relevant regulatory authorities found no record of “Mary Habila” on the database of registered physiotherapists in Nigeria.
The society added that the physiotherapy department of the hospital identified in connection with the case had also confirmed that no staff member bearing that name had ever worked there as a physiotherapist.
“The Department of Physiotherapy at the hospital identified in connection with this matter has confirmed that it has no physiotherapist by the name of ‘Mary Habila’ on its staff records,” the statement said.
The professional body said the development highlighted the need for public officials, particularly those occupying senior government positions, to exercise due diligence before identifying individuals with regulated professions.
“Public office carries with it a responsibility to ensure that information placed before Nigerians is accurate and verifiable,” the society said.
The NSP reiterated that professional identity should be established through official regulatory processes rather than public assumption or unverified claims, stressing that the qualifications of members of regulated professions must be based on verifiable records.
It said the clarification was intended solely to address questions surrounding the deceased’s professional status, which falls within the society’s statutory responsibility, and should not be interpreted as a comment on the circumstances surrounding her death.
The society said investigations into the cause and circumstances of the death should be left to law enforcement and judicial authorities, expressing confidence that the relevant agencies would establish the facts and ensure justice is served.
While clarifying the professional status of the deceased, the NSP also acknowledged the human tragedy at the centre of the case, extending its condolences to her family, friends and loved ones.
“While it is important to establish the facts, we must not lose sight of the human tragedy at the heart of this matter,” the statement said. “We extend our sincere condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of the deceased and pray that they find strength and comfort during this difficult time.”
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