Police authorities in Abuja have reportedly taken over the investigation into the controversial death of Mary Habila, a young woman who died at the residence of Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, amid increasing public attention surrounding the case.
Sources familiar with the matter said the Ebonyi State Police Command received a directive to transfer the investigation to authorities in Abuja. The development reportedly includes plans to move Habila’s remains to the Federal Capital Territory for a possible forensic autopsy.
The move comes after growing concerns and public reactions over the circumstances surrounding Habila’s death, which occurred at Umahi’s private residence in Uburu, Ebonyi State.
Reports indicated that there were disagreements over the handling of the investigation, with sources claiming that the minister preferred the matter to be moved from Ebonyi State to Abuja. However, Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru was said to have insisted that security agencies conduct a comprehensive investigation to determine the facts surrounding the incident.
The Ebonyi State Commissioner of Police, CP Hope Urunwa Okafor, was reportedly invited to the Force Headquarters in Abuja over the handling of the investigation.
The case gained wider attention after images allegedly showing Habila with visible injuries surfaced online, leading to calls from members of the public for an independent and transparent investigation.
Although Habila’s father had earlier filed an affidavit indicating that he did not want an autopsy conducted, the planned burial was later suspended following public pressure and demands for further examination of the circumstances surrounding her death.
Umahi had previously confirmed that Habila died at his residence and described her as a health worker attached to the Federal Ministry of Works. He also stated that he encouraged her family to support a forensic autopsy to establish the actual cause of death.
However, questions were later raised about her professional background after reports claimed she was a Community Health Extension Worker rather than a licensed physiotherapist.
The controversy has continued to attract attention, with developments involving community leaders and institutions connected to the matter. Authorities are expected to continue the investigation as public interest remains high.
