The legal representatives of Nigeria’s Minister of Works, David Umahi, have formally requested the Ebonyi State Police Command to ensure that an autopsy is carried out on the late Mary Habila before her body is released for burial, as authorities continue investigating the circumstances surrounding her death.
The request, contained in a petition submitted to the Ebonyi State Commissioner of Police, is aimed at establishing the exact cause of Habila’s death through forensic examination and preventing speculation while investigations remain ongoing.
Lawyers Request Independent Forensic Examination
According to the petition dated July 15, 2026, the minister’s legal team, Roy & Associates, said it was acting on Umahi’s instructions in seeking a thorough medical examination of the deceased before burial arrangements proceed.
The petition was acknowledged by the Ebonyi State Police Command on the same day it was submitted.
The lawyers asked the police to ensure that qualified forensic pathologists conduct a comprehensive autopsy capable of scientifically determining both the cause and circumstances surrounding Habila’s death.
They also requested that the police refrain from releasing her remains to any individual, including members of her family, until the autopsy and other investigative procedures have been concluded.
What Is Known About Mary Habila’s Death?
Mary Habila was a staff member of the David Umahi Federal University of Medical Sciences (DUFMS), Uburu, who had been deployed to the Federal Ministry of Works on secondment.
According to the petition, she died on June 27, 2026, inside a staff residential building located within David Umahi’s residence in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
The lawyers emphasized that the building where the incident occurred was not Umahi’s personal residence but accommodation designated for members of his staff and other personnel attached to him.
They further stated that on the night Habila died, only two people were reportedly inside the building—the deceased and another female occupant identified as a physiotherapist.
Why the Autopsy Request Matters
An autopsy is a key forensic procedure used to determine the medical cause of death, particularly when the circumstances surrounding a death require official clarification.
By requesting an independent forensic examination before burial, the minister’s legal team argues that investigators will be better positioned to:
- Determine the precise medical cause of death.
- Preserve critical forensic evidence.
- Support any ongoing criminal or coroner’s investigation.
- Prevent misinformation and public speculation.
- Ensure that any future legal proceedings are based on scientific findings.
The lawyers maintained that preserving the integrity of the investigation should take priority until all relevant evidence has been examined.
Timeline of Events
- June 27, 2026: Mary Habila dies inside a staff residential building in Uburu, Ebonyi State.
- Following weeks: Police investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding her death.
- July 15, 2026: Roy & Associates files a petition on behalf of Minister David Umahi requesting a forensic autopsy before burial.
- July 15, 2026: Ebonyi State Police Command acknowledges receipt of the petition.
What Happens Next?
The Ebonyi State Police Command is expected to determine the next steps regarding the investigation and whether the requested forensic procedures will be carried out before Habila’s remains are released.
Authorities have not publicly announced the official cause of death, and the outcome of any autopsy could become an important part of the investigation if approved.
Until investigators conclude their work, the circumstances surrounding Mary Habila’s death remain under official review.
Kindly Share:
Discover more from LMSINT MEDIA
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.