Police authorities in Abuja have reportedly taken over the investigation into the death of Mary Habila, the young woman who died at the private residence of Nigeria's Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, in Ebonyi State.
According to reports, the Ebonyi State Police Command has been directed to transfer the case file to Abuja. Sources also indicate that Habila's body may be moved to the Federal Capital Territory for a forensic autopsy as part of the ongoing investigation.
The development follows earlier reports that Minister Umahi had sought the transfer of both the police investigation and the planned autopsy to Abuja amid increasing public interest in the case.
Sources familiar with the matter claimed that the minister was dissatisfied with the handling of the investigation in Ebonyi State after details of the incident became public. They further alleged that efforts to ensure a thorough and independent investigation were supported by Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru.
Reports also indicate that the Commissioner of Police in Ebonyi State, CP Hope Urunwa Okafor, was recently summoned to the Force Headquarters in Abuja in connection with the case.
Mary Habila died on June 27 under circumstances that remain under investigation at Senator Umahi's residence in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State. The incident has attracted widespread public attention following the circulation of photographs allegedly showing injuries to the deceased.
Although Habila's father, Wisdom Habila, initially filed an affidavit opposing an autopsy, plans for her burial were suspended after public calls for a comprehensive investigation.
Senator Umahi has confirmed that Habila died at his residence. He stated that she was attached to the Federal Ministry of Works from the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences and advised her family to consent to a forensic autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.
However, questions have emerged regarding her professional designation. While she was initially described as a physiotherapist, subsequent reports identified her as a Community Health Extension Worker (CHEW). The Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy also stated that her name does not appear on its register of licensed physiotherapists.
The case has continued to generate public interest, with calls for transparency in the investigation. Meanwhile, the Uburu Traditional Rulers Council recently announced a dawn-to-dusk curfew for a traditional spiritual cleansing exercise known as *Isu Arua*, a decision that has drawn additional attention due to the ongoing probe.
The management of the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences has also reportedly directed staff members not to release information related to the case without official authorisation.
Police authorities are yet to issue a formal public statement on the transfer of the investigation.
