Police authorities in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, have officially taken over the investigation into the controversial death of Mary Habila, a young woman who died at the residence of Nigeria’s Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi.
The development follows growing public outrage and scrutiny surrounding the circumstances of her death, which occurred on June 27 at the minister’s private residence in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
According to sources, a directive was issued to the Ebonyi State Police Command to transfer all case files and hand over the investigation to Abuja authorities.
Habila’s body is also expected to be moved to the FCT, where a forensic autopsy will likely be conducted to determine the exact cause of death.
The case has generated widespread controversy, particularly after conflicting reports emerged about Habila’s professional identity.
While the minister initially described her as a physiotherapist attached to his household, subsequent findings revealed she was a Community Health Extension Worker (CHEW), with the Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy confirming her name was not on its register.
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Ebonyi Traditional Council Declares Curfew, Orders Spiritual Cleansing After Mary Habila’s Death
Tensions reportedly escalated between key state actors over the handling of the investigation. Sources indicate that while there were attempts to manage the situation quietly, Ebonyi State authorities insisted on a transparent and thorough probe, resisting any compromise on due process.
Public attention intensified after disturbing images allegedly showing the deceased with visible injuries surfaced online, prompting calls for an independent investigation.
Although Habila’s family initially opposed an autopsy, her planned burial was later suspended amid mounting pressure for clarity and justice.
Adding another dimension to the unfolding situation, the Uburu Traditional Rulers Council recently declared a dawn-to-dusk curfew in the community for a traditional spiritual cleansing exercise, a move that has drawn further attention due to its timing.
Meanwhile, internal directives from the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences reportedly cautioned staff against releasing unauthorized information related to the case, signaling efforts to control sensitive details as investigations continue.
As the Abuja police take charge, Nigerians await the outcome of the forensic examination and a transparent resolution to the circumstances surrounding Mary Habila’s death.
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