The Ebonyi State Police Command has demanded an autopsy on the body of a 26-year-old nurse, Miss Mary Habila, who reportedly died at the country home of the Minister of Works, David Umahi, in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of the state.
Police Statement on Autopsy Request
In a statement released on Wednesday, July 15, the command's spokesperson, SP Joshua Ukandu, said it was awaiting the deceased’s family to proceed with the post-mortem examination as part of its ongoing investigation into her death. Ukandu mentioned that the command received a distress call on June 27, 2026, from the Divisional Police Officer of Ohaozara Division, reporting a medical emergency involving the deceased and requesting his presence at the David Umahi Federal Teaching Hospital, Uburu.
“On arrival, the DPO was informed by hospital authorities that Miss Mary Habila had been brought in dead. He immediately briefed the Commissioner of Police, who directed that the matter be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for thorough investigation,” Ukandu stated.
Preliminary Findings
Preliminary findings indicate that the deceased and a colleague formed part of the medical team attached to the Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, and had accompanied him to his hometown in Uburu, where she died in a room within the compound of his residence. The Command has since commenced a comprehensive investigation. Detectives have visited the scene and obtained statements from relevant persons. The Command is set to engage the services of a pathologist to conduct a post-mortem examination that will help determine the cause of death and support the ongoing inquiry.
Ukandu, however, mentioned that the family of the deceased has declined its request for an autopsy, insisting that the examination should not be carried out. He mentioned that despite the family’s position, the command maintained that an autopsy remained necessary because of the sensitive nature of the case and the need to establish the true cause of death.
Police Await Family's Participation
The police said they were awaiting the attendance of the deceased’s family or their duly appointed representative, stressing that their presence was essential for the conduct of the post-mortem examination.
