The Ebonyi State Police Command has insisted on conducting an autopsy to determine the cause of death of 26-year-old nurse, 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.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Joshua Ukandu, said investigators are awaiting the cooperation of the deceased’s family before the post-mortem examination can be carried out as part of the ongoing investigation.
According to the police, the incident was reported on June 27, 2026, after the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ohaozara Division received information about a medical emergency involving Habila. The officer subsequently proceeded to the David Umahi Federal Teaching Hospital in Uburu.
Upon arrival, hospital officials informed the DPO that the nurse had already been brought to the facility without signs of life. The matter was immediately reported to the Commissioner of Police, who directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for a detailed investigation.
Preliminary findings by the police indicate that Mary Habila and another medical professional were part of the healthcare team attached to the Minister of Works during his visit to his hometown. Investigators said she died inside a room located within the premises of Umahi’s residence in Uburu.
The command said detectives have visited the scene, gathered evidence and obtained statements from individuals considered relevant to the investigation.
Police authorities also disclosed plans to engage a qualified pathologist to perform an autopsy, saying the examination is necessary to establish the exact cause of death and assist investigators in reaching a factual conclusion.
However, the command revealed that Habila’s family has declined its request for a post-mortem examination, insisting that the procedure should not be conducted.
Despite the family’s objection, the police maintained that an autopsy is essential due to the circumstances surrounding the case and the need to determine the actual cause of death.
The Ebonyi State Police Command added that it is awaiting the presence of the deceased’s family or an authorised representative so the post-mortem examination can proceed as part of the ongoing investigation.
