By Kolawole Omotola Olaide
The Ebonyi State Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has advised that a post-mortem examination is necessary to determine the cause of the death of 26-year-old physiotherapist, Mary Habila, whose death at the residence of the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has continued to attract national attention.
According to information contained in the DPP’s legal advice to the Ebonyi State Police Command, the available evidence has not established the exact circumstances surrounding Habila’s sudden death, making an autopsy the most appropriate means of guiding investigators.
The legal opinion, reportedly issued on July 15, noted that preliminary findings indicated the deceased was alone in her apartment when she was discovered dead. It also stated there was no evidence suggesting she had any known illness or health condition before the incident.
The DPP explained that a post-mortem examination would provide investigators with scientific evidence capable of establishing the actual cause of death and helping determine the next direction of the police investigation.
While recommending an autopsy, the legal advice also acknowledged that the police have the discretion to either proceed with the examination or consider the wishes of the deceased’s family.
Sources familiar with the investigation said Habila’s remains have not yet been released to her relatives because the police are still awaiting the completion of necessary investigative procedures.
Members of the deceased’s family had earlier announced plans to bury her in Kaduna State without requesting an autopsy. However, investigators reportedly maintained that releasing the body before completing forensic examinations could affect the ongoing investigation.
Mary Habila died on June 27, 2026, at Senator Umahi’s residence in Uburu, Ebonyi State. The incident has generated widespread public interest following differing accounts regarding the events leading to her death.
Senator Umahi had earlier confirmed that the young physiotherapist died at his residence and publicly supported the conduct of an autopsy to establish the cause of death.
Meanwhile, police investigators continue to examine the timeline of events surrounding the incident, including those present at the residence, the response after Habila was found unconscious, and the circumstances under which medical assistance was sought.
Authorities have yet to announce the official cause of death, while police investigations remain ongoing.
