Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
The Ebonyi State Police Command has insisted on conducting an autopsy as part of its investigation into the death of 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.
Police spokesperson, SP Joshua Ukandu, said the command is awaiting the presence of the deceased’s family or their representative to proceed with the post-mortem examination, which investigators consider crucial to determining the cause of death.
According to the police, the case began on June 27 when the Divisional Police Officer in Ohaozara received a report of a medical emergency involving Habila and was requested to visit the David Umahi Federal Teaching Hospital, Uburu.
Upon arrival, hospital officials reportedly informed the officer that the nurse had been brought in dead.
The matter was subsequently reported to the Commissioner of Police, who directed that it be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation.
Preliminary findings showed that Habila and a colleague, Anita Baaki, were members of the medical team attached to Umahi and had accompanied him to his hometown in Uburu.
“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,” Ukandu said.
The police said detectives have visited the scene, obtained statements from relevant persons and launched a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death.
Ukandu added, “The Command is set to engage the services of a pathologist to conduct a post-mortem examination that will help determine the cause of death and support the ongoing inquiry.”
Although the deceased’s family has reportedly opposed the autopsy, the command maintained that the examination is necessary given the nature of the case and the need to establish the true cause of death.
The police assured the public that the investigation would be thorough, transparent and impartial, adding that further updates would be provided as inquiries continue.
