Police seek autopsy as probe continues into nurse’s death at Umahi’s country home
The Ebonyi State Police Command has insisted on conducting an autopsy to determine the cause of death of 26-year-old nurse, Miss Mary Habila, who was found dead at the country home of the Minister of Works, David Umahi, in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
Police spokesperson, SP Joshua Ukandu, disclosed in a statement on Wednesday that the Command received a distress report on June 27, 2026, from the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Ohaozara regarding a medical emergency involving the deceased at the David Umahi Federal Teaching Hospital, Uburu.
According to the statement, the DPO arrived at the hospital only to be informed by medical personnel that Habila had already been brought in dead. The matter was immediately reported to the Commissioner of Police, who directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for a detailed investigation.
Preliminary investigations revealed that Habila and her colleague, Miss Anita Baaki, were members of the medical team attached to the Minister of Works and had accompanied him to his hometown in Uburu. She reportedly died in a room within the compound of the minister's residence.
The Police said detectives have visited the scene, obtained statements from relevant persons and commenced a full investigation into the incident.
Although arrangements have been made to engage a pathologist for a post-mortem examination, the Command said the deceased's family has so far declined the request, insisting that no autopsy should be conducted.
Despite the family's position, the Police maintained that a post-mortem examination remains necessary due to the sensitive nature of the case and to establish the actual cause of death.
The Command said it is awaiting the presence of the deceased's family or their authorised representative before proceeding with the autopsy and assured the public that the investigation will be thorough, transparent and impartial, with further updates to be provided as the case progresses.
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