Umahi further urged the police to ensure a comprehensive autopsy is conducted by qualified forensic pathologists.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Minister of Works, Engr David Umahi, has insisted that an autopsy should be conducted on Mary Habila, a late member of staff at the Federal University of Medical Sciences, Uburu, who was on secondment to the Federal Ministry of Works, before her remains are released for burial.
He made the demand in a petition written by his lawyers, the law firm Roy & Associates, on 15 July 2026 to the Ebonyi State Commissioner of Police.
According to the lawyers, who claimed to be acting on the instructions of the minister, Habila died on 27 June 2026 in a staff residential building located within Umahi’s residence in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
In the petition, which was duly acknowledged by the Ebonyi State Police Command, the law firm explained that the deceased did not reside in the same building as the minister.
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The lawyers went on to explain that the building was designated for members of Umahi’s staff and other personnel working with him.
They further stated that on the night of her death, only Habila and another female occupant, identified as a physiotherapist, were in the building.
The legal team urged the police to ensure that a comprehensive autopsy is conducted by qualified forensic pathologists to determine scientifically the actual cause and circumstances of Habila’s death.
They also requested that Habila’s remains should not be released to anyone, including her next of kin, until the autopsy and all other relevant investigative procedures have been completed.
According to them, the request is aimed at preserving the integrity of the ongoing investigation, eliminating speculation and ensuring that the true cause of Habila’s death is conclusively established before her burial.
