Internal management meeting minutes obtained by SaharaReporters indicate that the management of the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences (DUFUHS), Uburu, instructed members of staff not to make unauthorised public comments or release official information concerning the death of Mary Habila.

During a management meeting held on July 15, 2026, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Jesse Uneke, reportedly emphasised that the university's reputation should be protected and advised staff to allow only authorised offices to communicate on behalf of the institution.

According to the minutes, the Vice-Chancellor also assured workers that the administration remained committed to transparency by providing information required for official duties and staff welfare.

Sources familiar with the meeting claimed the directive came after increasing media attention and was aimed at ensuring that communication about the case remained under the control of the university's leadership.

The report also revisits developments in the investigation into Habila's death, which reportedly occurred at the residence of the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, on June 27.

While the minister stated that Habila was a physiotherapist on secondment and supported a forensic autopsy, the Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy said her name was not found in its register of licensed physiotherapists.University sources reportedly identified her instead as a Community Health Extension Worker.Meanwhile, Habila's family postponed her burial because the police insisted on carrying out an autopsy before releasing her body.The Ebonyi State Police Command said the post-mortem examination was necessary to establish the actual cause of her death as investigations continue.

Although her family has opposed the autopsy and requested the immediate release of her body for burial, the police maintain that the investigation is still ongoing.