MARY HABILA: Police Probe Death, Family Against Autopsy, David Umahi Demands Forensic Inquiry

The Ebonyi State Police Command has launched a comprehensive investigation into the sudden death of Miss Mary Habila, a medical professional who allegedly died while on official duty.

Habila was part of a medical team accompanying the Minister of Works, David Umahi, to his hometown in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area, where she was allegedly found dead within his residential compound.

Investigations are underway, but the police said Habila’s family are against an autopsy.

In a statement released on Wednesday night, the Police spokesperson, SP Joshua Ukandu, stated that given the highly sensitive nature of the case and the location of the death, the Command considered a post-mortem examination essential to scientifically establish the true cause of death and ensure a transparent inquiry.

He noted that the family of the deceased had formally stated that they do not wish for an autopsy to be performed on their daughter.

Despite the family’s reservations, the police said they were moving forward with plans to engage a pathologist.

However, the Command is currently awaiting the arrival of the family or their authorised representative, as their physical presence is legally and procedurally required to proceed with the post-mortem examination.

According to the PPRO, on June 27, 2026, the Ohaozara Divisional Police Officer (DPO) received a distress call regarding a medical emergency involving Miss Habila, prompting police presence at the David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital (DUFUTH), Uburu.

Ukandu said that upon the DPO’s arrival, hospital authorities confirmed that Habila was brought in dead.

He said that the DPO briefed the Commissioner of Police, who immediately ordered the case transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for an inquiry.

The PPRO added that detectives had since processed the scene of the incident and obtained statements from key witnesses and relevant persons.

Ukandu assured the public that the Ebonyi State Police Command is committed to conducting a thorough, transparent, and impartial investigation, promising further updates as new facts emerge.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has maintained that the death of Miss Habila must be subjected to a thorough, transparent, and impartial investigation to establish the true cause of her passing.

In line with this position, the minister, through his legal counsel, has formally written to the Commissioner of Police, Ebonyi State Command, demanding that an autopsy be conducted on the deceased before her remains are released for burial.

According to the minister, only a comprehensive forensic examination and a credible investigation can dispel speculation, uncover the truth, and ensure that justice is served in the interest of all parties involved.

“In view of the circumstances surrounding the death of the deceased, and in the interest of justice, transparency, and the due administration of criminal justice, our Client respectfully requests that the Nigeria Police Force cause a comprehensive autopsy to be conducted on the remains of the deceased by qualified forensic pathologists for the purpose of scientifically and independently ascertaining the actual cause and circumstances of her death,” Umahi, in a letter by his lawyer to the police dated July 15, 2026.

“This request is made to preserve the integrity of the ongoing investigation, eliminate speculation, and ensure that the true cause of death is conclusively determined before the remains are interred.”