The police command in Ebonyi has engaged the services of a pathologist to conduct a post-mortem examination on Mary Habila to determine the cause of her death.

Ms Habila, a nurse on secondment to the works ministry, died at the Uburu residence of works minister David Umahi.

The command said the decision formed part of its ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of the young woman, who was reportedly attached to the minister’s medical team.

The command’s spokesman, Joshua Ukandu, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.

Mr Ukandu said the command received a distress call on June 27 from the divisional police officer of Ohaozara Division, informing it of a medical emergency involving Ms Habila and requesting his presence at the David Umahi Federal Teaching Hospital, Uburu.

The police spokesman said that upon the DPO’s arrival at the hospital, he was informed by medical authorities that Ms Habila had been brought in dead.

He said the DPO immediately briefed the commissioner of police, who directed that the matter be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for a comprehensive investigation.

The police spokesman said preliminary investigations revealed that the deceased and another colleague were members of the medical team attached to the minister and had accompanied him to Uburu, where she later died in a room within his residential compound.

“The command has since commenced a comprehensive investigation. Detectives have visited the scene and obtained statements from relevant persons. The command is set to engage the services of a pathologist to conduct a post-mortem examination that will help determine the cause of death and support the ongoing inquiry,” he said.

Mr Ukandu, however, disclosed that the deceased’s family had expressed opposition to an autopsy on their daughter.

He said that despite the family’s position, the police considered the examination necessary due to the sensitive nature of the case and the need to establish the actual cause of death.

According to him, the command is awaiting the attendance of the deceased’s family or their authorised representative, whose presence is required for the post-mortem examination.

He assured the public that the police would carry out a thorough, transparent and impartial investigation and provide further updates as the case progresses.

(NAN)