Police Headquarters in Abuja Takes Over Investigation into Mary Habila’s Death
Reported by Fact Harbour News
ABUJA – The Nigeria Police Force has reportedly taken over the investigation into the death of Mary Habila, the young woman who died at the residence of the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, as authorities intensify efforts to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
According to reports, the Force Headquarters in Abuja directed the Ebonyi State Police Command to transfer the case to the Federal Capital Territory. The development is also expected to include the transfer of Habila’s body to Abuja for a forensic autopsy as part of the ongoing investigation.
The reported takeover follows sustained public interest and calls for a transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Habila’s death, which occurred on June 27, 2026, at the minister’s private residence in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
Reports citing unnamed security sources alleged that the Minister of Works had requested that the investigation be handled in Abuja. However, no official statement has been issued by the Nigeria Police Force confirming the reasons for the transfer.
Earlier reports also claimed that Governor Francis Nwifuru had insisted that investigators conduct a comprehensive probe into the matter to determine whether any criminal conduct was involved. These claims have not been independently verified by Fact Harbour News.
The case has attracted widespread public attention following the circulation of photographs on social media allegedly showing injuries on Habila’s body, prompting renewed calls from civil society groups and members of the public for an independent and transparent investigation.
Although Habila’s father initially indicated his opposition to an autopsy, the planned burial was later suspended as demands for a forensic examination intensified.
Senator Umahi has acknowledged that Habila died at his residence and has publicly supported the conduct of a forensic autopsy to establish the exact cause of death. He previously stated that she was attached to the Federal Ministry of Works from the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences (DUFUHS).
Subsequently, the Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy (NSP) stated that Habila’s name was not listed in its register of licensed physiotherapists, raising questions about earlier reports regarding her professional status. Other reports have described her as a Community Health Extension Worker (CHEW).
Meanwhile, the controversy has continued to generate reactions in Ebonyi State. The Uburu Traditional Rulers Council announced a dawn-to-dusk curfew for a traditional spiritual cleansing exercise known as Isu Arua, stressing that the exercise was intended to promote peace and renewal within the community.
As of the time of filing this report, the Nigeria Police Force has not released an official update on the status of the investigation or the expected timeline for the forensic examination.
Fact Harbour News will continue to monitor the investigation and provide verified updates as they become available.