Ebonyi Police to Conduct Autopsy on Physiotherapist Who Died at David Umahi's Residence.

The Ebonyi State Police Command has announced that it will conduct a post-mortem examination on the body of Mary Habila, a 26-year-old physiotherapist who died at the Uburu residence of the Minister of Works, David Umahi.

According to the police, the forensic examination is considered essential to determine the exact cause of her death, despite objections raised by members of the deceased's family.

The development was disclosed in a statement dated July 15, 2026, by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Joshua Ukandu, following public interest and concerns surrounding the circumstances of the incident.

The command explained that the matter was first reported on June 27, after the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ohaozara Division received information about a medical emergency involving Habila and was requested to proceed to the David Umahi Federal Teaching Hospital, Uburu.

According to the statement, hospital officials informed the DPO upon arrival that Habila had already been certified dead before she was brought to the facility.

The Commissioner of Police subsequently directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for a comprehensive investigation.

Preliminary findings by investigators revealed that Habila and another colleague were members of the medical team attached to the Minister of Works and had accompanied him to his hometown in Uburu, where she later died inside a room within the minister's residential compound.

The police said detectives from the SCID have since visited the location where the incident occurred and obtained statements from individuals considered relevant to the investigation.

The command added that arrangements are underway to engage a qualified pathologist who will carry out the post-mortem examination to establish the actual cause of death and assist ongoing investigations.

The police acknowledged that members of Habila's family had expressed opposition to the planned autopsy.

However, the command maintained that the examination remains necessary because of the sensitive nature of the case and the need to establish the facts surrounding her death.

According to the police, investigators are awaiting the presence of the deceased's family or a duly authorised representative before the examination can be conducted.

The command stressed that the family's attendance is required to ensure due process during the post-mortem procedure.

Reassuring the public, the Ebonyi State Police Command pledged to conduct a thorough, transparent and impartial investigation and promised to provide further updates as the inquiry progresses.