The Ebonyi State Police Command has insisted on conducting an autopsy to determine the cause of death of Mary Habila, a 26-year-old nurse who was found dead at the country home of the Minister of Works, David Umahi, in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
Police said the post-mortem examination remains central to the investigation, even though the deceased’s family has reportedly declined the request for an autopsy.
According to the command, the incident was reported on June 27, 2026, when the Divisional Police Officer in Ohaozara received a distress call regarding a medical emergency involving Habila at the David Umahi Federal Teaching Hospital, Uburu.
Upon arrival, medical personnel informed the officer that the nurse had been brought to the hospital dead. The Commissioner of Police subsequently directed that the matter be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for a comprehensive investigation.
Ongoing Investigation
Preliminary investigations indicate that Habila and another nurse, Anita Baaki, were members of the medical team attached to the Minister of Works and had accompanied him to his hometown in Uburu. Police said Habila died in a room within the compound of the minister’s residence before she was taken to the hospital.
Investigators have since visited the scene, obtained statements from individuals considered relevant to the inquiry and commenced what the command described as a full-scale investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death.
The police said they intend to engage a pathologist to conduct an autopsy, describing the examination as essential to establishing the actual cause of death and supporting the ongoing investigation.
However, the command disclosed that the deceased’s family has opposed the procedure, insisting that no post-mortem examination should be carried out.
Despite the family’s position, the police maintained that the nature of the case requires a forensic examination before investigators can draw any conclusions.
The command said it is awaiting the attendance of the deceased’s relatives or their authorised representative so the autopsy can proceed in accordance with investigative procedures.
“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 said.
The Ebonyi State Police Command assured the public that the investigation would be conducted professionally, transparently and without prejudice, adding that further updates would be provided as the investigation progresses.
