The Ebonyi State Police Command has requested an autopsy to investigate the reasons behind the death of 26-year-old nurse, Miss Mary Habila, at the residence of the Minister of Works, David Umahi, in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of the state.
The authority stated it was waiting for the family of the deceased to move forward with the autopsy as a part of its ongoing inquiry into her death.
In a statement released on Wednesday, command spokesperson SP Joshua Ukandu announced that a distress call was received on June 27, 2026, from the Divisional Police Officer of Ohaozara Division, indicating a medical emergency involving the deceased and asking for his attendance at the David Umahi Federal Teaching Hospital, Uburu.
The statement indicated that upon reaching the hospital, the Divisional Police Officer was informed by medical staff that Miss Habila had arrived deceased.
“He promptly informed the Commissioner of Police, who instructed that the matter be handed over to the State Criminal Investigation Department for a thorough inquiry,” he stated.
The police stated that initial investigations showed the deceased and a colleague, Miss Anita Baaki, were part of the medical team assigned to the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, who was with her in his hometown of Uburu, where she allegedly passed away in a room located inside his residence’s compound.
The command indicated that detectives had subsequently been to the location, gathered accounts from pertinent individuals, and launched a comprehensive investigation into the event.
It mentioned that plans were in progress to bring in a pathologist to perform a post-mortem examination to establish the true cause of death and support the ongoing inquiry.
The police stated that the family of the deceased refused their request for an autopsy, asserting that the examination should not be performed.
Regardless of the family’s stance, the authorities insisted that an autopsy was essential due to the delicate nature of the situation and the importance of determining the actual cause of death.
The police stated they were expecting the presence of the deceased’s family or their officially designated representative, emphasizing that their involvement was crucial for the performing of the post-mortem examination.
The Ebonyi State Police Command assured the public of a comprehensive, open, and fair investigation and committed to giving additional updates as the inquiry advances.
The statement indicated, “Upon arrival, the DPO was notified by hospital officials that Miss Mary Habila had been brought in deceased. He promptly informed the Commissioner of Police, who ordered that the issue be passed to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for comprehensive inquiry.
He stated, “Initial results suggest that the deceased along with a colleague was part of the medical team associated with the Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi had taken her to his hometown in Uburu, where she passed away in a room located within the grounds of his home.
“The Command has now initiated a thorough investigation.” Investigators have gone to the site and collected testimonies from pertinent individuals. The Command is arranging for a pathologist to perform a post-mortem examination, which will assist in identifying the cause of death and aid the ongoing investigation.
This maintains the introduction and essential factual information in narrative style, rephrases only a limited number of redundant sections, and cites only the crucial parts of the statement rather than reproducing it nearly entirely.
