Police Insist On Autopsy After Mary Habila’s Family Objects

The Ebonyi State Police Command says it will conduct a post-mortem examination on Mary Habila, the 26-year-old physiotherapist who died at the Uburu residence of Works Minister David Umahi, despite objections from her family.

Habila’s family has opposed an autopsy, but the police said the examination is needed to establish the cause of death. The command said it was waiting for the family or their authorised representative to attend before the procedure goes ahead.

The case follows an earlier NaijaTrend report, available here, in which Umahi denied secrecy around Habila’s death and ordered an autopsy.

Police spokesperson Joshua Ukandu said the command received a distress report on June 27 from the Divisional Police Officer in Ohaozara over a medical emergency involving Habila at the David Umahi Federal Teaching Hospital, Uburu.

According to the police account, Habila had been brought in dead by the time the DPO arrived at the hospital. The Commissioner of Police then directed that the matter be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for a fuller inquiry.

The police said preliminary findings showed that Habila and another medical worker were part of the medical team attached to Umahi and had travelled with him to his hometown, where she later died in a room within the compound of his residence.

Detectives have visited the scene and taken statements from relevant witnesses. Ukandu said a pathologist would be engaged to help determine the cause of death and support the investigation.

Daily Post reported that Habila’s family had announced burial plans for Friday, July 17, at the Deeper Life Bible Church in Nok, Jaba Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The same report said the police position had added a new layer to the controversy around the planned burial.

The police urged the public to avoid speculation while the investigation continues.

Sources: Vanguard, Daily Post