The investigation into the controversial death of Mary Habila has been transferred to Abuja, with police authorities in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) now taking charge of the case amid growing public attention.
Reports indicate that a police signal was sent to the Ebonyi State Police Command, directing officers in Abakaliki to hand over the investigation. Mary Habila’s body is also expected to be moved to Abuja, where a forensic autopsy is likely to be carried out.
The latest development follows reports that Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, had sought the transfer of both the investigation and the planned autopsy from Ebonyi State after the case attracted widespread public scrutiny. Sources claimed the minister became dissatisfied with how the investigation was being handled as details of the incident emerged publicly.
According to sources, Governor Francis Nwifuru insisted on a thorough investigation into Mary Habila’s death. One source said, “The governor insisted that the police should do a proper investigation into the matter instead of trying to sweep it under the carpet.”
Reports also alleged that Ebonyi State Commissioner of Police, Hope Urunwa Okafor, was summoned to the Force Headquarters in Abuja over the investigation but refused to compromise its integrity.
Mary Habila died on 27 June at David Umahi’s private residence in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State. While the minister confirmed that she died at his residence and encouraged her family to approve a forensic autopsy, controversy followed after the Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy (NSP) stated that she was not a licensed physiotherapist, contrary to claims made by the minister’s media team. She was later identified as a Community Health Extension Worker (CHEW).
The case has continued to attract attention following online circulation of photographs allegedly showing Mary Habila with blood around her mouth and nose. Her planned burial was also suspended after public calls for an independent investigation, despite an affidavit reportedly filed by her father opposing an autopsy.
Meanwhile, the Uburu Traditional Rulers Council, led by HRH Eze Lazarus N. Umahi, announced a dawn-to-dusk curfew to observe the traditional Isu Arua spiritual cleansing exercise. At the same time, the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences (DUFUHS) directed staff not to release information about Mary Habila’s death without official approval.
Do you think transferring the investigation to Abuja will help strengthen public confidence in the outcome of the case?
