By Emmanuel Onyedika
The Ebonyi State Police Command has insisted that a forensic autopsy must be conducted on the remains of Miss Mary Habila before her body is released for burial, despite opposition from her family. The Command said the examination was indispensable to establishing the true cause of her death and ensuring a credible investigation.
The position was contained in a press statement issued by Police Public Relations Officer, SP Joshua Ukandu, following ongoing investigations into the death of Habila, a member of the medical team attached to the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi.
According to the police, the Command received a distress call on June 27, 2026, from the Divisional Police Officer, Ohaozara Division, reporting a medical emergency involving Habila. She was later confirmed dead at the David Umahi Federal Teaching Hospital, Uburu.
Preliminary investigations revealed that Habila and a colleague were part of the medical team attached to the Minister of Works and had accompanied him to his hometown in Uburu, where she died in a staff accommodation within his compound. Detectives have since visited the scene, obtained statements and concluded arrangements to engage a forensic pathologist for the post-mortem examination.
“The family of the deceased has, however, claimed that they do not want any autopsy performed on their daughter. The Command nonetheless considers the examination necessary, given the sensitive nature of the case and the imperative of establishing the true cause of death,” Ukandu said.
He stressed that investigative standards would not be compromised, adding: “The Command therefore awaits the attendance of the family or their duly appointed representative, as their presence is essential to the conduct of the post-mortem examination.”
Meanwhile, Senator David Umahi has formally requested the Nigeria Police Force to ensure a comprehensive forensic autopsy is conducted before Habila’s remains are released. In a letter dated July 15, 2026, Umahi’s solicitors, Roy & Associates, said the request was made in the interest of justice and transparency.
The letter, signed by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Roy O. U. Nwaeze, explained that Habila was a staff member of the David Umahi Federal University of Medical Sciences, Uburu, on secondment to the Federal Ministry of Works, and died in staff accommodation designated for ministry officials.
“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,” the letter read.
The solicitors further urged the police not to release the remains until the autopsy and related investigative procedures were concluded.
The development has placed the Ebonyi State Police Command and the Minister of Works on the same page regarding the need for a forensic examination, even as the deceased’s family maintains its opposition. Residents expressed optimism that the outcome of the post-mortem would play a critical role in determining the cause and circumstances surrounding Habila’s death.