Activist Calls for Investigation into Physiotherapist's Death

Chikwado Chukwu, a visual impairment human rights activist and Executive Director of the Disability Rights Protection Initiative, has demanded a comprehensive investigation into the death of physiotherapist Mari Habila. Habila, who worked for Minister of Works Dave Umahi at the Federal University of Health Sciences in Uburu, Ebonyi State, died under mysterious circumstances.

According to a statement released on Saturday by Franci Nwaze, a senior special assistant to Umahi, Habila went missing on June 26, and her body was found the next day, June 27. Chukwu has called for an autopsy to determine the cause of death, but Habila's family has refused to allow one.

The case gained public attention nearly two weeks later when Umahi responded to media inquiries. Chukwu questioned why a minister would need a physiotherapist at their village home and why the state government has not publicly addressed the situation.

The case has since been moved to the Ohaozara Police Division in Ebonyi State.