The death of a young woman inside the country home of the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, has sparked public concern, with police investigations underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The deceased, identified as Mary Habbila, reportedly died on June 27, 2026, barely 24 hours after arriving at the residence alongside another woman, Anita Baski.

Reports on Habbila’s identity have, however, been conflicting. While some described her as a visitor from Kaduna State, others identified her as a medical staff member attached to Umahi’s residence, raising questions over her role at the property.

According to reports, Habbila and Baski were brought from Kaduna to the residence on June 26 before the tragic incident occurred the following day.

Following the discovery of her death, Jonathan Bawado, Umahi’s Personal Assistant and a police officer, reportedly alerted medical personnel, prompting the deployment of a doctor and an ambulance to the residence.

The Divisional Police Officer of Ohaozara Division, CSP Tobechukwu Godwin, was subsequently notified, while the deceased’s body was evacuated to a mortuary. Her identification details were also forwarded to the Ebonyi State Police Command.

The matter has since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Abakaliki for a detailed investigation.

However, weeks after the incident, authorities are yet to disclose the cause of death, with no official autopsy report released.

The absence of an official explanation has fueled public speculation and intensified calls for transparency.

Civil society organisations and other concerned observers have urged investigators to conclude their inquiry and make the findings, including the outcome of any autopsy, public.

Given Umahi’s position as a serving cabinet minister and former governor of Ebonyi State, the incident has attracted nationwide attention, with many Nigerians demanding a clear account of the circumstances surrounding Habbila’s death.

Investigators at the SCID are expected to determine whether foul play was involved as the probe continues.