NEARLY three weeks after the mysterious death of a medical professional attached to an official delegation accompanying the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, to his hometown in Ebonyi State, the circumstances surrounding her passing continue to generate questions, with police authorities only now launching a full-scale investigation into the incident.
News Point Nigeria reports that Miss Mary Habila, who was part of the medical team accompanying the minister to Uburu in Ohaozara Local Government Area, was allegedly found dead within Umahi’s residential compound under circumstances that remain unclear.
As investigators intensify efforts to unravel the mystery surrounding her death, a major obstacle has emerged, with members of Habila’s family opposing plans for an autopsy that security authorities insist is crucial to establishing the true cause of death.
In a statement released on Wednesday night, the spokesperson of the Ebonyi State Police Command, SP Joshua Ukandu, said that given the highly sensitive nature of the case and the location where the death occurred, the Command considers a post-mortem examination essential to scientifically determine the cause of death and ensure a transparent investigation.
Ukandu, however, disclosed that the deceased’s family had formally communicated their opposition to an autopsy being conducted on their daughter.
Despite the family’s reservations, the police said they were proceeding with arrangements to engage a pathologist for the examination.
The Command explained that it is currently awaiting the arrival of the family or their authorised representatives, noting that their physical presence is legally and procedurally required before the post-mortem examination can proceed.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, the Ohaozara Divisional Police Officer received a distress call on June 27, 2026, regarding a medical emergency involving Habila, prompting police officers to proceed to the David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital (DUFUTH), Uburu.
Ukandu stated that upon the DPO’s arrival at the hospital, medical authorities confirmed that Habila had been brought in dead.
He added that the DPO subsequently briefed the Commissioner of Police, who immediately directed that the matter be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for a detailed inquiry.
The police spokesperson further disclosed that detectives have since processed the scene of the incident and obtained statements from key witnesses and other relevant individuals connected to the case.
Ukandu assured members of the public that the Ebonyi State Police Command remains committed to carrying out a thorough, transparent and impartial investigation, promising that further updates would be provided as new facts emerge.
Meanwhile, Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has insisted that the death of Habila must be subjected to a comprehensive, transparent and impartial investigation capable of establishing the true circumstances surrounding her passing.
In line with that position, the minister, through his legal counsel, has formally written to the Commissioner of Police, Ebonyi State Command, demanding that an autopsy be carried out on the deceased before her remains are released for burial.
According to Umahi, only a comprehensive forensic examination and a credible investigation can dispel speculation, uncover the truth and ensure that justice is served in the interest of all parties involved.
“In view of the circumstances surrounding the death of the deceased, and in the interest of justice, transparency, and the due administration of criminal justice, our Client respectfully requests that the Nigeria Police Force cause a comprehensive autopsy to be conducted on the remains of the deceased by qualified forensic pathologists for the purpose of scientifically and independently ascertaining the actual cause and circumstances of her death,” Umahi stated in a letter written by his lawyer to the police and dated July 15, 2026.
“This request is made to preserve the integrity of the ongoing investigation, eliminate speculation, and ensure that the true cause of death is conclusively determined before the remains are interred,” the letter added.