Umahi Seeks Autopsy for Nurse Who Died at His Ebonyi Residence

Minister of Works, David Umahi, has formally requested the Ebonyi State Police Command to conduct an autopsy on Mary Habila, the nurse who died at his residence in Umunaga, Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

Umahi also urged the police not to release the deceased’s body to her family until the post-mortem examination is concluded, saying the procedure is necessary to determine the exact cause and circumstances of her death.

The request was contained in a letter dated July 15, 2026, signed by the minister’s lawyer, Roy Nwaeze, and addressed to the Commissioner of Police in Ebonyi State.

Habila, a staff member of the David Umahi Federal University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital, died on June 27 while serving with the minister’s medical team.

Her death has attracted widespread public attention, with several groups and individuals calling for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

On Thursday, the Ebonyi State Police Command confirmed that it would proceed with an autopsy despite objections reportedly raised by members of the deceased’s family.

According to the letter, Umahi’s legal team said the autopsy was being requested to scientifically and independently establish the actual cause of Habila’s death.

The lawyer clarified that the deceased did not live in the same building as the minister but occupied a separate staff quarters within the premises designated for employees and other personnel working with him.

He further stated that on the night of the incident, Habila and a female physiotherapist were the only occupants of the building.

The letter noted that the request to retain the body pending the autopsy was made in the interest of justice, transparency, and the integrity of the ongoing investigation.

It added that the forensic examination would help dispel speculation surrounding the incident and ensure that any findings on the case are based on scientific evidence.

Umahi’s legal team urged the police to ensure that qualified forensic pathologists conduct a comprehensive post-mortem examination to independently determine the cause and circumstances of the nurse’s death.