Police Launch Full Investigation into Death of  Umahi’s Medical Team Member, Seek Autopsy Despite Family’s Objection

The Ebonyi State Police Command has commenced a full-scale investigation into the death of Miss Mary Habila, a member of the medical team attached to the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, saying a post-mortem examination is necessary to determine the actual cause of her death.

The Command disclosed this in a statement referenced AZ.:5200/EBS/PPRO/VOL.9/79, signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Joshua Ukandu, on Wednesday.

According to the statement, the police received a distress call on June 27, 2026, from the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ohaozara Division, informing the Command of a medical emergency involving Habila and requesting his presence at the David Umahi Federal Teaching Hospital, Uburu.

Upon arrival at the hospital, the DPO was informed by medical authorities that Habila had been brought in dead. He subsequently briefed the Commissioner of Police, who directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for a comprehensive investigation.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the deceased was part of the medical team attached to the Minister of Works and had accompanied him to his hometown in Uburu. Police said she was found dead in a room within the compound of the minister’s residence.

The Command said detectives have since visited the scene and obtained statements from relevant individuals as part of ongoing efforts to unravel the circumstances surrounding her death.

Police further disclosed plans to engage a pathologist to conduct a post-mortem examination, describing the procedure as critical to establishing the cause of death and aiding the investigation.

However, the family of the deceased has reportedly opposed an autopsy, insisting they do not want the examination carried out.

Despite the family’s position, the police maintained that the post-mortem remains necessary because of the sensitive nature of the case. The Command said it is awaiting the presence of the deceased’s family or their authorised representative, whose attendance is required before the examination can proceed.

The Ebonyi State Police Command assured the public that it remains committed to a thorough, transparent and impartial investigation and promised to provide further updates as the inquiry progresses.