Investigation Deepens: Police Insist on Autopsy After Nurse Dies at Works Minister’s Residence

The Ebonyi State Police Command is pushing forward with an investigation into 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 an unexpected hurdle as the deceased’s family has expressed opposition to a post-mortem examination.

The incident unfolded in late June when local authorities received an emergency distress call. On June 27, 2026, the Ohaozara Divisional Police Officer (DPO) was alerted to a medical emergency involving Habila. Upon arriving at the David Umahi Federal Teaching Hospital in Uburu, medical personnel informed the DPO that Habila was already deceased when she arrived. Following an immediate briefing, the Ebonyi State Commissioner of Police ordered the case transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for a comprehensive probe.

Preliminary findings reveal 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, Engr. David Umahi. 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.” — Ebonyi State Police Command.

Despite the police’s insistence that a post-mortem examination is vital to solving the case, the victim’s family has formally declined the request, asking that the 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 currently 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 has assured the public that the investigation will remain thoroughly transparent, impartial, and diligent, promising further updates as forensic evidence is gathered.