The Ebonyi State Police Command is investigating the sudden death of a 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.
While detectives seek to establish the official cause of death, they face a hurdle as the deceased’s family has expressed opposition to a post-mortem examination.
The incident occurred on June 27, 2026, when the Ohaozara Divisional Police Officer received an emergency distress call. On arrival at the David Umahi Federal Teaching Hospital in Uburu, medical personnel informed the DPO that Habila was already deceased when she was brought in.
Following a briefing, the Ebonyi State Commissioner of Police ordered the case transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, for a comprehensive probe.
Preliminary findings show that Habila was in Uburu on official duty. She and a colleague, Anita Baaki, were part of the specialized medical team assigned to the Minister of Works. The team had accompanied the minister to his hometown, where Habila was later found unresponsive in a room within his residential compound.
“Detectives have already visited the scene, gathered statements from key individuals, and launched a full-scale inquiry to piece together her final hours,” the Ebonyi State Police Command said.
Despite police insistence that a post-mortem examination is vital to solving the case, the victim’s family has formally declined the request, asking that an autopsy not be performed.
However, law enforcement authorities maintain that the sensitive nature of the death requires an objective, scientific determination of how Habila died.
The command stated it is waiting for the family or an authorized representative to be present so that a state-engaged pathologist can proceed with the examination.
The Ebonyi State Police Command assured the public that the investigation will remain transparent, impartial and diligent, promising further updates as forensic evidence is gathered.
