The Ebonyi State Police Command has reaffirmed its decision to conduct an autopsy on Miss Mary Habila, a physiotherapist who died at the residence of the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
The command said the post-mortem examination is crucial to establishing the exact cause of death and advancing its ongoing investigation, despite objections from the deceased’s family.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Joshua Ukandu, said detectives from the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) had intensified investigations into the incident.
According to the statement, preliminary findings revealed that Habila and a colleague were members of the medical team attached to the Minister of Works and had accompanied him to his hometown in Uburu. She was later found dead in a room within the minister’s residential compound.
Ukandu said investigators had visited the scene, documented relevant evidence and obtained statements from individuals connected to the case.
He added that the command had concluded arrangements to engage a qualified pathologist to conduct the post-mortem examination, describing it as a critical step in determining the actual cause of death.
The police said the investigation began after the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ohaozara Division received a distress report on June 27, 2026, regarding a medical emergency involving Habila. She was subsequently taken to the David Umahi Federal Teaching Hospital, Uburu, where she was confirmed dead on arrival.
Following the report, the Commissioner of Police directed that the matter be transferred to the SCID for a comprehensive investigation.
While acknowledging the family’s opposition to the autopsy, the command maintained that the procedure remained necessary given the circumstances surrounding the death. It urged the family or their duly appointed representative to be present during the examination.
The Ebonyi State Police Command assured the public that the investigation would be conducted professionally, transparently and without bias, adding that updates would be provided as the probe progresses. Visit www.jocomms.com for more news.
