Autopsy Crucial for Investigation, Says Police
The Ebonyi State Police Command has insisted that an autopsy must be conducted on 26-year-old nurse Mary Habila, who was found dead at the country home of Works Minister David Umahi in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area. The family's refusal to approve the post-mortem has delayed the process, but police maintain it is essential to determine the cause of death.
Incident Reported as Medical Emergency
According to SP Joshua Ukandu, spokesperson for the Ebonyi State Police Command, the incident was first reported on June 27, 2026. The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ohaozara Division responded to a distress call about a medical emergency involving the nurse. Upon arrival at the David Umahi Federal Teaching Hospital in Uburu, doctors informed the DPO that Mary Habila had been brought in dead.
“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 and Family Objection
Preliminary investigations reveal that Habila and another nurse, Miss Anita Baaki, were part of the medical team attached to the Minister of Works and had accompanied him to his hometown. Mary died in a room within the compound of Umahi's residence. Police have visited the scene, questioned witnesses, and begun a full inquiry.
Despite the family's objection, the command has concluded plans to engage a pathologist for a post-mortem examination. “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 added.
Public Attention and Transparency Assurance
The case has drawn significant public attention due to the involvement of a serving federal minister. The Ebonyi State Police Command has assured Nigerians that the investigation will be thorough, transparent, and impartial, with updates provided as new findings emerge.
