Mary Habila Not Registered Physiotherapist, Says NSP.

The Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy has said Mary Habila, the 26-year-old woman whose death has sparked public debate, was not a registered physiotherapist.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the professional body said a verification conducted through the appropriate regulatory channels showed that Habila's name was not listed on its official database of licensed physiotherapists.

"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 NSP noted that the clarification underscored the importance of due diligence by public officials and other stakeholders when identifying individuals as members of regulated professions.

It stressed that professional qualifications should be confirmed through verifiable records rather than assumptions or public perception, adding that questions surrounding an individual's credentials should be resolved through the appropriate regulatory processes.

Despite the clarification, the society expressed condolences to Habila's family, friends and loved ones, describing her death as a tragic loss.

"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," the statement added.

Habila died on June 27 at a residence linked to the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, in Ebonyi State, a development that has attracted widespread public attention.

Umahi has denied any wrongdoing, describing the deceased as "like a daughter" and insisting there was no evidence of foul play. He said Habila had worked closely with him for years and had a history of medical challenges for which he personally provided financial support.

The minister also disclosed that she reportedly complained of nose bleeding during a phone conversation with her boyfriend shortly before she was found dead.

The incident has prompted calls from various groups and prominent Nigerians for an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death.

Meanwhile, police investigations are ongoing, while an autopsy, considered crucial to determining the cause of death, has yet to be conducted following reported objections from the deceased's family on cultural grounds.