Autopsy Battle: Mystery Deepens Around Nurse Mary Habila's Death in Umahi's Residence

The mysterious death of Mary Habila, a 26-year-old physiotherapist, at the Ebonyi State residence of the Minister of Works, David Umahi, has initiated a comprehensive investigation by the Ebonyi State Police Command. Habila was found deceased on June 27, 2026, in a room within the staff chalet of the Minister’s country home in Umunaga, Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State. The police have emphasized the critical need for a post-mortem examination as part of their inquiry into the circumstances surrounding her death.

According to Joshua Ukandu, the Police Public Relations Officer in Ebonyi State, the command had concluded arrangements to engage a pathologist to conduct an autopsy. This step is deemed essential by the police due to the sensitive nature of the case and the imperative of establishing the true cause of death. The investigation began after the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ohaozara Division received a distress call on June 27, 2026, reporting a medical emergency at the David Umahi Federal Teaching Hospital, Uburu. Upon arrival, the DPO was informed that Habila had been brought in dead. Preliminary findings indicate that Habila and a colleague were members of the medical team attached to Minister Umahi and had accompanied him to his hometown.

Despite the police's insistence on an autopsy, Habila’s family has expressed strong opposition to the procedure, claiming they do not wish for any post-mortem examination to be performed on their daughter. The police command, however, maintains that the examination is necessary and is currently awaiting the attendance of the deceased’s family or their duly appointed representative, as their presence is considered essential for the conduct of the post-mortem examination.

A detailed account of the events leading to Habila’s death was provided by Anita Baaki, a physiotherapist and colleague who was present at the residence. In a sworn affidavit filed before the Ebonyi State High Court, Baaki stated that she traveled with Habila and other ministry officials from Abuja to Ebonyi State on June 24, 2026, for an official assignment under Minister Umahi. They were accommodated in separate but adjoining rooms within a staff chalet at the Minister’s country home, which Baaki clarified was designated for ministry staff and associates, not the Minister’s personal residence.

Baaki recounted last seeing Habila alive on the evening of June 26, after Habila returned from getting her hair done. Habila stopped by Baaki's room to show off her new hairstyle, and they chatted for a while before Habila expressed tiredness and her intention to take a shower before sleeping. The following morning, Baaki became concerned when Habila did not emerge from her room. Repeated calls to Habila’s phone went unanswered, and the room remained locked from the inside. Baaki then alerted a domestic staff member, and after Habila could not be found elsewhere, the room was forced open. Habila was discovered lying unconscious on the floor near the entrance of the room and was immediately rushed to the David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital, where doctors confirmed her death on arrival. Baaki affirmed that her statement was made voluntarily to assist investigators.

The incident has garnered significant public interest, with Minister Umahi previously dismissing claims of secrecy surrounding the death. Adding to the calls for clarity, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and the National Association of University Students (NAUS) have publicly supported the demand for an autopsy and an impartial investigation. In a joint statement, the student bodies commended Minister Umahi for his proactive stance in seeking to ascertain the true cause of death and urged caution against individuals or groups attempting to exploit the situation for personal or sentimental reasons. They emphasized the importance of allowing due process to take its course, especially since the matter is already before a court.

Mary Habila, born on September 18, 2000, died at the age of 26. Her funeral service has been scheduled for 10 a.m. on July 17, 2026, at the Deeper Life Bible Church in Nok, Jaba Local Government Area of Kaduna State.