The Ebonyi State Police Command has said an autopsy is required to determine the cause of death of 26-year-old nurse, Mary Habila, whose body was discovered at the country residence of the Minister of Works, David Umahi, in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area.
The command said it is waiting for members of the deceased’s family to participate in the process as investigations into the circumstances surrounding her death continue.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Joshua Ukandu, the command disclosed that the incident was first reported on June 27 when the Divisional Police Officer in Ohaozara received information about a medical emergency involving Habila.
According to the police, the officer proceeded to the David Umahi Federal Teaching Hospital in Uburu, where medical personnel informed him that the nurse had been brought to the facility lifeless.
Following the report, the Commissioner of Police directed that the matter be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for a comprehensive investigation.
Police preliminary findings showed that Habila and a colleague, Anita Baaki, were attached to the medical team serving the Minister of Works and had accompanied him to his hometown at the time of the incident.
Investigators said the deceased was found dead in a room located within the minister’s residential compound in Uburu.
The command said detectives have since visited the scene, collected relevant evidence and taken statements from individuals connected to the case as part of efforts to establish what transpired.
To aid the investigation, the police said arrangements had been made to engage a pathologist to conduct a post-mortem examination.
However, the command disclosed that the deceased’s family had objected to the proposed autopsy and requested that the procedure not be carried out.
Despite the opposition, the police maintained that a post-mortem examination is essential to determine the actual cause of death and ensure a thorough investigation.
The command said it remains in contact with the family and is awaiting the attendance of relatives or an authorised representative before proceeding with the examination.
Reaffirming its commitment to uncovering the facts, the police assured the public that the investigation would be conducted in a transparent, impartial and professional manner.
The command added that updates would be provided as more information emerges from the ongoing inquiry.
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