Police, Umahi’s lawyers insist on autopsy as phyotherapist dies in Ebonyi

The Ebonyi State Police Command and the legal team of David Umahi, the Minister of Works, have separately insisted on a forensic autopsy to determine the cause of the death of Miss Mary Habila, a member of the Minister’s medical team who died in Uburu, Ebonyi State.

The development followed the death of Habila on June 27 in a staff quarters located within the premises of Senator Umahi’s country home in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area.

Habila, a staff member of David Umahi Federal University of Medical Sciences (DUFUS), Uburu, was on secondment to the Federal Ministry of Works.

In a statement, Joshua Ukandu, the Police Public Relations Officer in Ebonyi State, SP said the Divisional Police Officer in Ohaozara received a distress call over a medical emergency involving the deceased and proceeded to David Umahi Federal Teaching Hospital, Uburu, where doctors confirmed she was brought in dead.

He said the Commissioner of Police directed that the matter be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for a detailed investigation.

According to Ukandu, preliminary findings showed that Habila and another colleague were attached to the Minister’s medical team and had travelled with him to Uburu before the incident occurred.

He said detectives had visited the scene, taken statements from relevant persons and commenced a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death.

The police spokesman disclosed that arrangements were being made for a post-mortem examination to establish the cause of death.

He, however, revealed that the deceased’s family had objected to an autopsy, a position the Command said could hamper efforts to establish the facts surrounding the incident.

“The Command considers the post-mortem examination necessary in view of the sensitive nature of the case and is awaiting the attendance of the deceased’s family or their representative before the exercise is conducted,” Ukandu said.

Meanwhile, Umahi’s legal team has formally requested the Ebonyi State Police Command to ensure that a comprehensive forensic autopsy is carried out before the remains are released for burial.

In a letter dated July 15, 2026, and addressed to the Commissioner of Police, the lawyers said the request was made in the interest of justice, transparency and the proper administration of criminal justice.

They explained that the deceased died in a staff facility within the Minister’s compound, stressing that the building serves as accommodation for aides and visiting personnel and is separate from the Minister’s private residence.

The legal team further stated that Habila and another female physiotherapist were the only occupants of the building on the night she died.

According to the solicitors, an independent forensic examination is necessary to eliminate speculation and scientifically determine the actual cause and circumstances of the death.

The lawyers also urged the police not to release the body to any person, including the next of kin, until all forensic examinations and investigative procedures had been concluded.

The police assured the public that investigations into the case would be thorough, transparent and impartial, adding that updates would be provided as the investigation progresses.