Umahi asks Ebonyi police to carry out autopsy on nurse who died at his residence
Minister of Works, David Umahi
Abdullateef Fowewe
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has formally asked the Ebonyi State Police Command to conduct a post-mortem on Mary Habila, the nurse who died on June 27 at a building within the minister’s residence in Umunaga, Uburu, Ohaozara LGA.
In a letter dated July 15 and signed by Roy Nwaeze, Umahi’s counsel, the minister requested the police “cause a comprehensive autopsy to be conducted on the remains of the deceased by qualified forensic pathologists for the purpose of scientifically and independently ascertaining the actual cause and circumstances of her death.”
The letter also asked that Habila’s body not be released to her family until the post-mortem is completed.
Habila, an employee of the David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital who was attached to the minister’s medical team, died while on duty.
Her death has drawn widespread public interest and calls for a thorough investigation.
The Ebonyi police command said on Thursday it would proceed with an autopsy despite opposition from some members of the deceased’s family.
Umahi’s lawyer said the request and temporary retention of the body were made “in the interest of justice, transparency, and the due administration of criminal justice” to help eliminate speculation and ensure conclusions are based on scientific evidence.
