The tragic and controversial death of 26-year-old physiotherapist Mary Habila has taken another complex turn. While public demands for answers intensify, her family has officially expressed opposition to an autopsy.

However, the Ebonyi State Police Command is putting its foot down, insisting that a post-mortem examination is absolutely necessary to uncover the truth.

The Police Stance on the Investigation

In a statement released on Wednesday, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Ebonyi State Command detailed the authorities' position. According to the PPRO, the circumstances surrounding Habila's sudden death at the Uburu residence of the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, require scientific clarity.

Despite the family's reluctance, the Command plans to engage an independent pathologist to conduct the examination to support the ongoing investigation.

"The Command, therefore, awaits the attendance of the family or their duly appointed representative, as their presence is essential to the conduct of the post-mortem examination," the PPRO stated, emphasizing that the family's involvement is critical to maintaining transparency.

What Preliminary Findings Show

As the investigation transitioned to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), detectives provided a clearer timeline of the events leading up to the tragedy:

  • The Arrival: Habila and a colleague, both part of a medical team attached to the Minister of Works, accompanied him to his hometown in Uburu.

  • The Incident: On June 27, 2026, a distress call regarding a medical emergency was made to the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the Ohaozara Division.

  • The Tragic Outcome: By the time authorities arrived at the David Umahi Federal Teaching Hospital in Uburu, hospital staff confirmed that Habila had been brought in dead.

Detectives have already visited the scene of the incident—a room within the minister's compound—and obtained statements from relevant individuals present at the time.

What Happens Next?

The refusal of the family to consent to an autopsy creates a delicate procedural standoff. While grieving families often decline autopsies for personal, cultural, or religious reasons, the police have statutory powers to mandate the procedure in cases of sudden, unexplained deaths.

The Ebonyi Police Command has assured the public that the inquiry will remain thorough, transparent, and impartial, promising further updates as the investigation progresses. For now, the case remains at a critical crossroads, awaiting the family's cooperation for the post-mortem examination.