Ebonyi Police insist on conducting an autopsy on physiotherapist Mary Habila, who died at Senator David Umahi’s residence, despite objections from her family.
The Ebonyi State Police Command has maintained that a post-mortem examination will be carried out on the body of 26-year-old physiotherapist Mary Habila as part of its investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death at the residence of the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi.
The command said the forensic examination remains an essential part of the investigation and is necessary to establish the exact cause of death.
Police authorities explained that while they acknowledge the concerns raised by the deceased’s family, the nature of the case requires a scientific approach that can provide clarity and eliminate speculation.
The position of the command was made public in a statement issued on July 15, 2026, by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Joshua Ukandu.
According to the statement, investigators remain committed to ensuring that every aspect of the incident is examined thoroughly before any conclusions are reached.
Mary Habila reportedly died on June 27, 2026, while staying at Senator David Umahi’s residence in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
Her death has attracted nationwide attention following conflicting accounts regarding the circumstances surrounding the incident, prompting calls for a comprehensive investigation.
The police disclosed that the command first became aware of the incident after the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ohaozara Division received an emergency report concerning a medical situation involving the young physiotherapist.
The DPO was requested to proceed immediately to the David Umahi Federal Teaching Hospital in Uburu.
According to the police, the officer arrived at the hospital only to discover that medical personnel had already confirmed Habila dead.
Following the development, the Commissioner of Police directed that the matter be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), where experienced detectives would take over the case.
Preliminary findings by investigators indicated that Habila was a member of the medical team attached to the Minister of Works.
She had reportedly travelled with the minister and other members of the team to his hometown before the unfortunate incident occurred.
Police further stated that available information suggests she died inside a room located within the compound of the minister’s private residence before she was rushed to the teaching hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
Since taking over the investigation, detectives have carried out several investigative procedures aimed at establishing what happened before the young physiotherapist lost her life.
These steps include visiting the location where the incident occurred, documenting the scene, collecting available evidence, and obtaining statements from individuals believed to possess useful information relevant to the inquiry.
The command also confirmed that arrangements have been concluded to engage the services of a qualified pathologist to perform a detailed post-mortem examination.
According to investigators, the autopsy is expected to provide scientific evidence that will either support or contradict existing accounts of the incident, making it a critical component of the investigation.
Despite the family’s reported objection to the procedure, the police insisted that the examination cannot be ignored because of the public interest generated by the case and the need to establish the truth through medical findings rather than speculation.
Authorities explained that forensic examinations often play a significant role in criminal and suspicious death investigations by identifying possible medical conditions, injuries, poisoning, or other factors that may not be immediately visible during a routine examination.
The police noted that although the command respects the wishes of the deceased’s relatives, it also has a legal responsibility to conduct a credible investigation capable of withstanding public and judicial scrutiny.
Investigators believe that completing the autopsy will strengthen the integrity of the final report.
The command added that it is currently awaiting the presence of members of Habila’s family or an authorised representative before proceeding with the examination.
Officials said their attendance is considered important during the process to ensure transparency and proper documentation.
Police authorities reassured the public that the investigation is being handled professionally without bias or interference.
They pledged that every relevant lead would be explored and that no aspect of the case would be overlooked until investigators are satisfied that all available evidence has been examined.
The command also urged members of the public to avoid circulating rumours or drawing premature conclusions while the investigation remains ongoing.
According to the statement, spreading unverified claims could complicate the inquiry and create unnecessary confusion.
The death of Mary Habila has continued to attract widespread public attention, with many Nigerians closely monitoring developments and awaiting the outcome of the police investigation.
The case has also generated discussions about transparency, accountability, and the importance of forensic investigations in resolving controversial deaths.
As detectives continue their work, the Ebonyi State Police Command has reiterated its commitment to conducting a fair, transparent, and impartial investigation.
The command assured that further information will be made available to the public as significant developments emerge and once the findings of the post-mortem examination become available.
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