Police Insist on Autopsy for Umahi’s Deceased Physiotherapist

The Ebonyi State Police Command will proceed with a post-mortem examination on Mary Habila, a physiotherapist who died under mysterious circumstances at the country home of Dave Umahi, the Minister of Works. Although the family of the deceased objects to the procedure, police authorities insist the autopsy is non-negotiable. Investigators require scientific clarity to resolve the growing controversy surrounding her death.

Habila died on June 27 inside the minister’s residence in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area. She was part of a clinical team attached to the minister. Preliminary reports indicate she died in her room. Her family, originally from Kaduna State, rejected the autopsy proposal. The police maintain that the sensitive location of her death makes a clinical examination necessary.

Detectives have visited the scene and taken statements from several witnesses. The Divisional Police Officer in Ohaozara first received a distress call on the day of the incident. Hospital officials at the David Umahi Federal Teaching Hospital in Uburu later confirmed she arrived dead. The case has since moved to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Abakaliki for a deeper inquiry.

The tragedy became public knowledge only after local investigative media outlets reported the incident. Human rights groups and civil society organisations have since demanded a transparent investigation. Some activists raised concerns about the initial silence from both the government and the police during the first two weeks of the incident.

Umahi, through his media office, welcomed the investigation and supported the demand for an autopsy. His representatives stated that the minister immediately contacted medical professionals and the police when the emergency arose. The minister dismissed claims of secrecy. He urged the public to avoid speculation while the police conclude their investigation.

The state police command expects the family to send representatives to witness the post-mortem. Investigators believe the autopsy findings will provide a definitive answer. The police promised a thorough and impartial exercise.