The Abuja Police Authority have taken over the investigation into the death of Mary Habila, the health worker who died under controversial circumstances at the residence of the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, in Ebonyi State.
Information gathered by Politics Nigeria indicates that authorities in Abuja have assumed control of the probe, with officials in Ebonyi expected to hand over relevant case files and evidence to the new investigative team.
The move comes weeks after questions emerged over the circumstances surrounding Habila’s death at Umahi’s private residence in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
Sources familiar with the matter said arrangements are also being made for the deceased’s remains to be transferred to Abuja, where forensic procedures, including an autopsy, may be carried out as part of efforts to determine the exact cause of death.
Mary Habila died on June 27 after she was reportedly found unresponsive within the minister’s residential compound. She was later taken to a medical facility where she was confirmed dead.
Initial investigations by the Ebonyi State Police Command had led to plans for a post-mortem examination.
However, the process became complicated after members of Habila’s family expressed opposition to an autopsy and demanded the release of her body for burial.
Despite the family’s position, police authorities maintained that a forensic examination remained necessary because of the sensitive nature of the case.
The issue became severe after photographs linked to the deceased circulated online. This prompted demands from various quarters for an independent investigation.
Amid the public outcry, the Minister of Works publicly denied any involvement in Habila’s death and repeatedly called for a scientific examination of the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Speaking on the matter earlier, Umahi insisted that he had nothing to hide and supported efforts to uncover the truth.
“I have no hand in the unfortunate death of Mary Habila,” the minister said.
He further stated: “Nobody will remove the corpse from the mortuary for burial until an autopsy is conducted.”
The minister also maintained that a proper forensic investigation would help establish the true cause of death and put an end to speculation surrounding the case.
Recall, Minister Umahi described the deceased as a dedicated member of the medical team attached to him and dismissed allegations suggesting foul play.
According to Umahi, Habila had worked closely with his team for several years and was regarded as part of his extended family.
“She was like a daughter to me,” the minister said while addressing journalists.
Umahi explained that he personally supported her welfare on several occasions and expressed shock over her sudden death.
He also challenged claims that efforts were being made to conceal information about the incident, insisting that he was among those demanding a comprehensive investigation.
The minister’s legal representatives subsequently wrote to law enforcement authorities requesting a forensic autopsy and urging investigators not to release the body until all necessary examinations had been completed.
The request came at a time when Habila’s family was pushing for immediate burial.
Her father, Wisdom Habila, publicly appealed for the release of her remains, saying the family wished to lay her to rest without further delays.
“I need the corpse of my daughter to take her for burial,” he said.
