The body of Mary Habila, the young woman who died under controversial circumstances at the country home of the Minister of Works, David Umahi, has been transferred to the National Hospital in Abuja as preparations continue for a forensic autopsy. The development comes amid growing public scrutiny and renewed debate over the transparency and independence of the investigation into her death.
The transfer followed exchanges between lawyers representing Habila’s family and counsel to Minister Umahi regarding the proposed autopsy. After initially opposing a post-mortem examination, the family later agreed to a forensic autopsy on the condition that the investigation be transferred to the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters in Abuja and conducted in a manner that guarantees fairness, transparency and public confidence.
According to reports, Habila’s body was moved from Ebonyi State to Abuja without prior public announcement, a development that has fuelled further speculation over the handling of the case. Sources also raised concerns about the lack of public information regarding the identity and independence of the pathologists expected to carry out the examination, prompting renewed calls for a credible and internationally accepted forensic process.
Mary Habila died on 27 June 2026 while staying at accommodation linked to Minister Umahi’s country home in Uburu, Ebonyi State. Although the Minister has denied any wrongdoing and repeatedly called for a comprehensive forensic investigation to establish the exact cause of death, the circumstances surrounding the incident have continued to generate widespread public interest and demands for accountability.
The case was recently transferred from the Ebonyi State Police Command to the Force Headquarters in Abuja, where investigators are expected to supervise the forensic examination. Human rights advocates and civil society groups have urged the authorities to ensure that the investigation remains transparent, impartial and free from political or external influence, arguing that only a credible process can restore public confidence in the outcome.
The outcome of the autopsy is expected to play a crucial role in determining the cause and manner of Habila’s death, as Nigerians continue to await an investigation that is thorough, independent and guided solely by scientific evidence and the rule of law.
