The Ebonyi State Police Command has launched a criminal investigation into the death of 26-year-old nurse Mary Habila, who died at the Uburu country home of Minister of Works David Umahi in Ohaozara Local Government Area. The command insists on conducting an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death, despite objections from the deceased's family.
Police Transfer Case to State CID for Thorough Investigation
Police spokesperson SP Joshua Ukandu confirmed that the Commissioner of Police has directed the case to be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for a comprehensive investigation. The decision underscores the seriousness with which the command is treating the incident.
Initial inquiries established that Miss Habila and a colleague, Miss Anita Baaki, were both members of the medical team attached to the minister and had accompanied him to his hometown in Uburu. Habila was found dead in a room inside the minister's compound on June 27, 2026.
Police Engage Pathologist for Post-Mortem Examination
Detectives have visited the scene and collected statements from relevant individuals. The command is making arrangements to engage the services of a pathologist for the post-mortem examination. According to SP Ukandu, "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."
The police maintained that a post-mortem remains essential given the sensitive nature of the case and the need to establish the true cause of death beyond doubt. The command stressed that the autopsy is a key part of the investigation, as reported by Business Day.
Family Refuses Autopsy, Police Await Their Attendance
A significant complication has emerged as the deceased's family has declined the police request for an autopsy, insisting the examination should not proceed. The police spokesperson said they were awaiting the attendance of the family or a duly appointed representative before the examination could go ahead. Ukandu stressed that their presence was a necessary condition for the process.
The police pledged to conduct a thorough, transparent, and impartial investigation and said it would provide further updates as inquiries advanced.
Family Announces Funeral Arrangements, Minister Requests Autopsy
Recall that the family announced funeral arrangements for physiotherapist Mary Habila after her death at Minister Umahi's home. Umahi himself has requested an autopsy after the 26-year-old was found dead at his Ebonyi residence. The report outlines what the family and minister have said, while key questions about her death remain unanswered.
Opposition Party Calls for Minister to Step Down
Meanwhile, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) called for an independent investigation into Habila's death. ADC's national publicity secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, demanded that Umahi step aside pending the outcome of any inquiry into the incident. The opposition party accused the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration of shielding officials from accountability and described the government as a 'Cabinet of Cover-ups'.
