The Ebonyi State Police Command has commenced an investigation into the death of a young woman, identified as Mary Habbila, who reportedly died under unclear circumstances at the country residence of the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
According to reports, the incident occurred on June 27, 2026, a day after Habbila and another woman, Anita Baski, both said to be from Kaduna State, arrived at the residence.
Police sources disclosed that the matter was initially reported at the Ohaozara Divisional Police Headquarters before being transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Abakaliki for a comprehensive investigation.
Reports indicate that Habbila was found unresponsive inside the residence, prompting the minister’s Personal Assistant, Jonathan Bawado, a police officer, to alert medical personnel. A doctor and an ambulance were subsequently dispatched to the scene, while the police were notified.
Her body was later evacuated to a mortuary as part of the investigative process.
A senior police officer, who confirmed the development, said the case is under active investigation but declined to provide further details because inquiries are ongoing.
As of the time of filing this report, the exact cause of Habbila’s death has not been officially established, while it remains unclear whether an autopsy has been conducted.
Efforts to obtain official comments from the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, the Ebonyi State Police Command, and other relevant officials were unsuccessful.
The Police Public Relations Officer in Ebonyi State, SP Joshua Ukandu, said he was yet to receive details of the incident but promised to make inquiries.
Neither the Ebonyi State Police Command nor the Federal Ministry of Works has released an official statement on the matter.
Police say investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
