The Ebonyi State Police Command has insisted that an autopsy be conducted on the body of a 26-year-old healthcare worker, Mary Habila, who was found dead at the country home of the Minister of Works, David Umahi, in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of the state.
The command said the post-mortem examination is essential to determining the exact cause of Habila’s death and forms a critical part of the ongoing criminal investigation, despite reports that members of her family have expressed reservations about the procedure.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Joshua Ukandu, the command said the incident was reported on June 27 after Habila was taken to the David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital (DUFUTH), where medical personnel confirmed her dead on arrival. The Divisional Police Officer subsequently briefed the Commissioner of Police, who ordered that the matter be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for a comprehensive investigation.
According to the police, investigators have visited the scene, obtained statements from relevant witnesses and are awaiting the cooperation of the deceased’s family to facilitate the autopsy. The command stressed that a pathological examination remains necessary to establish the circumstances surrounding the death and support the investigation.
The case has attracted widespread public attention in recent days. Earlier, Minister of Works David Umahi denied allegations that the incident was shrouded in secrecy, stating that the matter was promptly reported to the police and that he supported an autopsy to determine the cause of death. He also dismissed claims circulating on social media about the circumstances surrounding Habila’s death.
Meanwhile, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called for an independent investigation into the incident and urged that the findings of the autopsy be made public to ensure transparency and maintain public confidence in the process.
The Ebonyi State Police Command assured the public that the investigation would be conducted professionally, impartially and transparently. It urged members of the public to refrain from spreading unverified information while detectives continue efforts to establish the facts surrounding Habila’s death.
