The Ebonyi State Police Command and the family of the late Dr. Mary Habila are at loggerheads over plans to conduct an autopsy to determine the cause of her death after she died at the Uburu residence of the Minister of Works, David Umahi.

Police spokesperson Joshua Ukandu, in a statement issued on Wednesday, said Dr. Habila died on June 27 at the David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area.

According to the police, Dr. Habila was a member of the minister’s medical team and had accompanied him to his hometown in Uburu, where she was later reported to have died in a room within his residence.

Ukandu said officers attached to the Ohaozara Divisional Police Headquarters responded after receiving a distress report and were informed that the doctor had been brought dead to the hospital. He added that the matter was subsequently transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation.

The command said investigators have visited the location where the incident occurred, obtained statements from relevant individuals and commenced efforts to establish the circumstances surrounding her death.

However, the police disclosed that Dr. Habila’s family has rejected plans to carry out a post-mortem examination.

Ukandu explained that the command considers an autopsy necessary because of the nature of the case and the need to scientifically determine the actual cause of death.

He added that investigators are waiting for the presence of the deceased’s relatives or an authorised representative, as required before the procedure can be conducted.

The police spokesperson assured the public that the investigation would be handled professionally, transparently and without bias, promising that further updates would be provided as the probe progresses.

Meanwhile, activist Omoyele Sowore has called for a coroner’s inquest into the circumstances surrounding Dr. Habila’s death.

In a post shared on his X account on Wednesday, Sowore urged authorities to complete all legal and forensic procedures, including an autopsy where necessary, before the deceased is laid to rest. He also warned against any attempt to proceed with the burial before investigations are concluded.

Sowore further alleged that Dr. Habila died with blood coming from her mouth, suggesting the circumstances of her death were suspicious.

When contacted on the allegation, police spokesperson Joshua Ukandu said he could not confirm the claim, stating that he was not present at the scene.