Umahi and police insist on autopsy in nurse’s death case
David Umahi, Minister of Works, and the Ebonyi State Police Command are pushing for an autopsy to determine the cause of death of 26-year-old nurse Mary Habila, whose body was found at the minister’s residence. The deceased’s father, Tanko Habila, has requested to withdraw the police investigation and refused an autopsy, citing no suspicion of foul play. The police and the minister argue that an autopsy is necessary due to the sensitive nature of the case. Civil society groups and opposition parties are calling for Umahi’s suspension to ensure a transparent investigation.
What we know
- Mary Habila was found dead in a staff guest house within David Umahi’s country home in Uburu, Ebonyi State.
- The police, through spokesperson Joshua Ukandu, insist an autopsy is crucial and are awaiting the family’s cooperation for the post-mortem examination.
- Umahi stated that Habila had a history of medical issues, including nosebleeds, and that he personally paid for her treatment at a Turkish hospital, with the last bill dated 5th of April.
- A staff member, Anita Baaki, testified that she last saw Habila on the evening of June 26, and that Habila was confirmed dead at the hospital after being found unresponsive the next morning.
- The Allied People’s Movement and the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights have demanded Umahi’s suspension and a thorough, independent investigation, criticizing the government’s response and the family’s rejection of an autopsy.
