Police seek autopsy as investigation continues into death of physiotherapist at Umahi’s residence

 The Ebonyi State Police Command has launched an investigation into the death of 26-year-old physiotherapist Mary Habila and is seeking a post-mortem examination to establish the cause of her death.

Habila, who was attached to the Federal Ministry of Works as a physiotherapist, was found unconscious in a room at the country home of the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area, on June 27.

According to the police, officers at the Ohaozara Divisional Headquarters received a distress call following the incident. The victim was rushed to the David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital (DUFUTH), where doctors confirmed she was brought in dead.

The circumstances surrounding her death have attracted widespread public attention, prompting the police to intensify investigations and request an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.

Responding to public speculation, Senator Umahi dismissed claims that there had been any attempt to conceal the incident, insisting that the matter was promptly reported to the police and that medical personnel were immediately called in to attend to the deceased.

Speaking during an inspection of road projects, the minister explained that Habila was an employee of the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences who had been seconded to the Federal Ministry of Works as a physiotherapist for the past three years.

According to Umahi, family members forced open the door to her room after they became concerned, before contacting doctors from DUFUTH, who rushed her to the hospital in an effort to revive her.

“The family broke the girl’s door, called doctors from DUFUTH, who took her to the hospital and did everything to revive her, but failed. The family reported the matter to the police, so where is the secrecy?” the minister said.

Umahi disclosed that he had advised the deceased’s family to approve a post-mortem examination to establish the cause of death scientifically but said they initially declined. However, in view of the public interest generated by the case, he maintained that an autopsy should now be conducted to remove any doubts surrounding the incident.

The minister also warned that he would pursue legal action against individuals spreading what he described as false or sensational claims about the circumstances of Habila’s death.

Confirming the investigation, the Police Public Relations Officer in Ebonyi State, SP Joshua Ukandu, said detectives have visited the scene, obtained statements from relevant persons and are making arrangements for the post-mortem examination as part of efforts to determine the cause of death.

Meanwhile, the family of the deceased has announced that Mary Habila will be laid to rest on Friday, July 17, following a funeral service at the Deeper Life Bible Church in Nok, Jaba Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

Police said investigations remain ongoing and urged members of the public to refrain from speculation while awaiting the outcome of the autopsy and the official findings of the investigation.