The Ebonyi State Police Command has insisted that a post-mortem examination will be conducted on the body of 26-year-old physiotherapist Mary Habila, who died at the residence of Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, saying the procedure is essential to determine the circumstances surrounding her death.

The command said the decision followed preliminary investigations into the incident, which occurred on June 27 at the minister’s residence in Uburu, Ebonyi State.

Also read: ADC demands probe into nurse’s death at Umahi’s residence

In a statement signed by Police Public Relations Officer, SP Joshua Ukandu, the command said detectives had visited the scene, interviewed relevant individuals and commenced steps towards a forensic examination.

The police said the matter was reported after the Divisional Police Officer of Ohaozara Division received a distress call concerning a medical emergency involving Habila.

According to the statement, Habila had already been confirmed dead by hospital authorities by the time the police officer arrived at David Umahi Federal Teaching Hospital, Uburu.

The command said preliminary findings showed that Habila was part of the medical team attached to the Minister of Works and had travelled with him to his hometown before her death.

“Preliminary findings indicate that the deceased and a colleague formed part of the medical team attached to the Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, and had accompanied him to his hometown in Uburu, where she died in a room within the compound of his residence,” the police said.

Mary Habila death has attracted public attention following differing accounts surrounding the circumstances of her death and calls for clarity from authorities.

The police acknowledged that Habila’s family had objected to an autopsy but maintained that the examination remained necessary due to the sensitive nature of the case.

“The Command nonetheless considers the examination necessary, given the sensitive nature of the case and the imperative of establishing the true cause of death,” the statement said.

The command said it was awaiting the presence of Habila’s family or an authorised representative before proceeding with the post-mortem examination.

The Ebonyi Police also referenced the need for forensic evidence to guide investigators, assuring the public that the process would be conducted transparently and professionally.

The Ebonyi State Director of Public Prosecutions had earlier advised that a post-mortem examination could provide crucial evidence in determining the cause of Habila’s sudden death.

The legal advice noted that available information showed Habila was alone when she was found unresponsive and that there had been no prior indication of illness or poor health before the incident.