The Ebonyi State Police Command has insisted on carrying out a post-mortem examination on Miss Mary Habila, a physiotherapist who died at the residence of the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, in Uburu, Ebonyi State.
Police authorities said the examination is necessary to determine the cause of death as investigations continue.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Joshua Ukandu, said preliminary findings showed that Habila and a colleague were members of the medical team attached to the Minister of Works and had accompanied him to his hometown in Uburu when the incident occurred.
According to the police, Habila died in a room within the minister's residential compound.
Ukandu said the command has launched a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death. Detectives have visited the scene and obtained statements from relevant individuals, while arrangements are being made to engage a pathologist for the post-mortem examination.
The police disclosed that they received a distress call on June 27, 2026, from the Divisional Police Officer of Ohaozara Division regarding a medical emergency involving Habila at the David Umahi Federal Teaching Hospital, Uburu.
Upon arrival at the hospital, the DPO was informed by medical authorities that Habila had been brought in dead. The matter was subsequently reported to the Commissioner of Police, who directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation.
Ukandu stated that although the deceased's family has opposed an autopsy, the police consider the post-mortem examination essential given the circumstances of the case.
"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 statement read.
The Ebonyi State Police Command assured the public that the investigation would be conducted transparently and impartially. It added that further updates would be provided as investigations progress.
