Umahi Seeks Autopsy on Aide Who Died at Ebonyi Residence Before Burial

Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has requested the Nigeria Police Force to conduct a comprehensive forensic autopsy on the late Miss Mary Habila before her remains are released for burial, saying the move is necessary to establish the actual cause of her death and ensure a transparent investigation.

The request was contained in a letter signed by Roy O. Umahi Nwaeze, SAN, solicitor to the Minister, on behalf of his client.

According to the letter, Mary Habila, a staff member of the David Umahi Federal University of Medical Sciences, Uburu, Ebonyi State, who was on secondment to the Federal Ministry of Works in Abuja, died on June 27, 2026, in a building located within the minister's residence in Umunaga, Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

The letter clarified that the deceased did not live in the same building as the minister, explaining that the facility was reserved exclusively for members of the minister's staff and other persons working with him.

It further stated that on the night of her death, only the deceased and another female occupant, identified as a physiotherapist, were in the building.

The minister, through his solicitors, urged the police to ensure that "a comprehensive autopsy" is carried out by qualified forensic pathologists to "scientifically and independently ascertain the actual cause and circumstances of her death."

He also requested that the remains of the deceased should not be released to any individual, including her next of kin, Mr. Tanko Habila Wisdom of Sabon Gari, Nok, Jaba Local Government Area of Kaduna State, until the autopsy and all related investigative procedures had been completed.

According to the letter, the request is intended to preserve the integrity of the ongoing investigation, eliminate speculation surrounding the incident, and ensure that the true cause of death is conclusively established before burial.

"We trust that your office will accord this request the urgent attention it deserves in the overall interest of justice and the integrity of the investigation," the letter stated.