Piqued by the discussions surrounding the recent death of Mary Habila, a staff member of the David Umahi Federal University of Medical Sciences, Uburu, who was on secondment to the Federal Ministry of Works, the Minister of Works, Engr David Umahi, through his team of lawyers, has petitioned the Ebonyi State Commissioner of Police, urging that an autopsy on the late Mary be conducted before her remains are released for burial.
The demand is contained in a letter by the law firm, Roy & Associates dated July 15, 2026, and acknowledged by the Ebonyi State Police Command on the same day.
According to the petition that arose on the instruction of the minister, Habila, (the deceased) died on June 27, 2026, in a staff residential building located within Umahi’s residence in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, adding that she did not reside in the same building as the minister.
The petition pointed out that the building was designated for members of Umahi’s staff and other personnel working with him, explaining further l that on the night of her death, only Habila and another female occupant, identified as a physiotherapist, were in the building.
The legal team therefore urged the police to ensure that a comprehensive autopsy is conducted by qualified forensic pathologists to scientifically determine the actual cause and circumstances of Habila’s death.
The petition insisted that Habila’s remains should not be released to anyone, including her next of kin, until the autopsy and all other relevant investigative procedures have been completed.
The team made it clear that its stand is aimed at preserving the integrity of the ongoing investigation, eliminating speculation, and ensuring that the true cause of Habila’s death is conclusively established before her burial.
