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.
