ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

The circumstances surrounding the death of Mary Habila, a nurse attached to the David Umahi Federal University of Medical Sciences (DUFUS) and on secondment to the Federal Ministry of Works, have become clearer following a sworn statement by her colleague and close friend, Anita Baaki.

Baaki, a physiotherapist from Benue State, said she was among members of staff who travelled from Abuja to Ebonyi State on June 24, 2026, for official duties under the Minister of Works, David Umahi.

According to her affidavit filed before the Ebonyi State High Court, the staff members were accommodated in separate but adjoining rooms in a staff chalet located within the minister’s country home in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area.

She clarified that the building was designated for staff members and associates, not for the minister’s personal residence.

On the evening of June 26, Habila returned after having her hair done and stopped by Baaki’s room to show her the new hairstyle.

The two chatted and joked before Habila said she was tired and intended to take a shower before going to bed.

“Mary told me she was tired and wanted to take a shower before sleeping. That was the last time I saw her alive,” Baaki stated.

The following morning, Baaki became concerned when Habila did not come out as usual. Repeated phone calls went unanswered, prompting her to knock on Habila’s door. Finding it locked from the inside and receiving no response, she alerted a domestic staff member to search the premises.

When Habila could not be found elsewhere, other staff members were informed, and the room was forcibly opened. She was discovered lying unconscious on the floor near the door.

She was immediately taken to the David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital, where doctors confirmed that she was dead on arrival.

In her affidavit, Baaki stated that her testimony was given voluntarily and without coercion, emphasizing that she was making the statement solely for official and investigative purposes.

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

The Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy (NSP) has declared that the late Mary Habila, whose death has generated widespread public attention, was not a registered physiotherapist, distancing the profession from claims that she belonged to its ranks.

The society made the clarification in a statement issued on Thursday by its Public Relations Team after conducting what it described as a verification of Habila’s credentials through the relevant regulatory authorities.

According to the NSP, a search of the official register of licensed physiotherapists in Nigeria showed that the name “Mary Habila” does not appear on its database.

“Following verification through the appropriate regulatory channels, the name ‘Mary Habila,’ as stated, does not appear on the database of registered physiotherapists,” the statement read.

The clarification comes amid public discussions surrounding the death of Habila, who died on June 27, 2026, in Ebonyi State while serving in the office of the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi. She had been widely identified in several reports as a physiotherapist.

The professional body stressed that membership of regulated professions must be established through official records rather than assumptions or public descriptions.

It warned that public officials and other stakeholders have a responsibility to verify professional credentials before making public statements capable of misleading Nigerians.

“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,” the society stated.

The NSP said its clarification was intended to protect the integrity of the physiotherapy profession and reinforce the importance of relying on official regulatory records when identifying professionals.

It added that the incident should serve as a reminder that qualifications and professional identities must always be accurately verified and represented.

Despite distancing itself from the claims about Habila’s professional status, the society expressed sympathy to her family over her death.

“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.

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

Ghana’s National Film Authority has announced plans to crack down on television stations broadcasting Nollywood films without authorisation, with the Deputy CEO revealing that all broadcast licenses in the country could be revoked and reissued under stricter terms by 2027.

James Gardiner, a Ghanaian actor and Deputy CEO of the NFA, made the announcement during a conversation with Nigerian filmmaker Uchenna Mbunabo, who had confronted him over the widespread theft of Nollywood content by Ghanaian television stations.

Mbunabo accused the stations of downloading Nigerian films directly from YouTube and airing them on national television without permission or payment.

“I noticed that Ghanaian TV stations, the way they are stealing our films and showing them for free with impunity. Is it legalised in your country for TV stations to go on YouTube, download people’s sweat and show it for free?” he asked.

Gardiner confirmed the practice was illegal and said the NFA had been working with Ghana’s Ministry of Communications, the National Communications Authority, and the National Media Commission to address it.

“We’re trying to make law to revoke all licenses and all of them will now come to apply afresh,” he said, adding that the process should be completed by 2027.

He acknowledged that enforcement remained difficult, particularly with the rise of digital stations operating from outside Ghana without physical offices in the country.

Mbunabo’s complaint is not an isolated one. Several high-profile Nigerian filmmakers and actresses have previously called out Ghanaian television stations over the same issue.

Ademoye had taken to social media to express frustration after discovering her films were being broadcast on Ghanaian stations without her knowledge or consent.

Oboli similarly called out the practice publicly, describing it as a direct attack on the livelihoods of Nigerian creatives.

Mercy Johnson and Ruth Kadiri have also voiced similar complaints, with Kadiri noting that filmmakers invest heavily in production only to watch their work distributed freely across borders without any returns.

Nigeria’s film industry continues to expand in terms of output, but filmmakers have long complained that widespread piracy, both at home and across the continent, significantly undermines their earnings.

Gardiner’s commitment to license reform represents the most concrete response from Ghanaian authorities to date, though filmmakers will be watching closely to see whether the 2027 deadline holds.