The family of 26-year-old physiotherapist, Mary Habila, has reportedly rejected plans to conduct an autopsy on her body despite the insistence of the Ebonyi State Police Command that a post-mortem examination is necessary to determine the cause of her death.
Mary died under controversial circumstances at the country home of the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, sparking widespread public interest and calls for a transparent investigation.
The Ebonyi Police Command said detectives from the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) have visited the scene, collected evidence, and taken statements from persons connected with the incident.
Police spokesperson, SP Joshua Ukandu, disclosed that the command had concluded arrangements for a qualified pathologist to carry out an autopsy, describing it as crucial to establishing the actual cause of Habila’s death.
According to the police, the family has opposed the post-mortem examination, but authorities maintain that the procedure is essential given the circumstances surrounding the death. The command added that it is awaiting the presence of the deceased’s family or their representative before proceeding with the autopsy.
The controversy follows an earlier statement by Senator Umahi, who expressed shock over Habila’s death and urged her family to consent to an autopsy to eliminate speculation and establish the truth scientifically.
The case has continued to generate nationwide reactions, with many Nigerians demanding a thorough and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding the young physiotherapist’s death. The police have assured the public that the investigation will be conducted professionally, transparently, and without bias, promising to provide further updates as the probe progresses.
