Enyinna Omoke, Abakaliki
The Ebonyi State Police Command has announced plans to engage a pathologist to conduct a post-mortem examination on the late Miss Mary Habila as part of its ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death.
The Command, however, disclosed that the deceased’s family has objected to the autopsy, insisting that no post-mortem examination should be carried out on their daughter.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Joshua Ukandu, the Command received a distress call on June 27, 2026, from the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ohaozara Division, informing him of a medical emergency involving Miss Habila and requesting his presence at the David Umahi Federal Teaching Hospital, Uburu.
Upon arrival at the hospital, the DPO was informed by medical personnel that Miss Habila had been brought in dead. He immediately 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 and a colleague were members of the medical team attached to the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, and had accompanied him to his hometown in Uburu, Ebonyi State. She was reportedly found dead in a room within the compound of the minister’s residence.
The Police said detectives have since visited the scene, collected relevant evidence, and obtained statements from key witnesses as part of efforts to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The Command stated that it is making arrangements to engage the services of a qualified pathologist to conduct a post-mortem examination, describing the procedure as crucial to determining the actual cause of death and aiding the ongoing investigation.
Despite the family’s opposition to the autopsy, the Police maintained that the examination is necessary, considering the sensitive nature of the case and the need to establish the true cause of Miss Habila’s death. The Command added that it is awaiting the presence of the deceased’s family or their duly authorised representative before the post-mortem examination can be conducted.
The Ebonyi State Police Command reiterated its commitment to carrying out a thorough, transparent, and impartial investigation and assured the public that further updates would be provided as the investigation progresses.
Habila’s Death: Ebonyi police to engage pathologist for autopsy as family rejects post-mortem
