Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Uburu Traditional Rulers Council in Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State has announced a community-wide spiritual cleansing exercise and imposed a dawn-to-dusk curfew across the community following the controversial death of Mary Habila, a nurse who died on June 27, 2026, at the residence of the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi. The council, led by HRH Eze Lazarus N. Umahi, a brother of the Minister, issued a public notice directing all residents to remain indoors on Thursday, July 23, 2026, as part of efforts to promote peace, unity, and spiritual renewal within the community. The traditional rite, known locally as "Isu Arua," is a sacred tradition intended to cleanse the community and strengthen efforts towards maintaining peace and order.
According to the council's notice, all markets, shops, businesses, commercial activities, social events, and public gatherings are expected to remain shut between 5:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on the day of the exercise. The council called on indigenes, residents, and visitors to cooperate with community leaders throughout the exercise and comply fully with the directive. The notice was signed by Chief Nicholas Odi, who spoke on behalf of the traditional rulers council.
The announcement comes amid growing controversy surrounding Habila's death, which has deepened after Senator David Umahi publicly broke his silence and called for a forensic examination to determine the exact cause of her death. Umahi acknowledged that Habila died within his residential compound in Uburu and insisted that the circumstances of her death should be subjected to a thorough and transparent investigation. The Minister of Works described Habila as someone he regarded "like a daughter," stating that she had worked closely with him for several years and that her death came as a personal shock.
In a formal request made through his legal representatives, Umahi urged the police to ensure that a comprehensive autopsy was conducted before the release of the body for burial. "In view of the circumstances surrounding the death of the deceased, and in the interest of justice, transparency, and the due administration of criminal justice, our Client respectfully requests that the Nigeria Police Force cause a comprehensive autopsy to be conducted on the remains of the deceased," the letter stated. The minister argued that a scientific examination was necessary to remove speculation and determine the actual circumstances surrounding her death.
However, the matter took a dramatic turn after members of Habila's family opposed plans for an autopsy and demanded the immediate release of her body for burial. Her father, Mr. Tanko Habila Wisdom, publicly stated that the family did not suspect anybody of wrongdoing and preferred to proceed with burial arrangements without further delay. In an affidavit filed before the Ebonyi State High Court, the family rejected the postmortem test, citing personal, cultural, and traditional reasons. The family has also petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, demanding the immediate release of their daughter's remains.
Despite the family's position, the Ebonyi State Police Command has maintained that a post-mortem examination remains necessary because of the sensitive nature of the case. The command has insisted on conducting an autopsy to determine the cause of death and has declined to release the body until the examination is completed. Police said the investigation would continue in a professional, transparent, and impartial manner until all relevant facts surrounding the incident are established. The standoff between the family and the police has intensified the controversy surrounding Habila's death, with the traditional council's decision to hold a spiritual cleansing exercise reflecting the community's desire to restore peace and order amid the ongoing tensions. The council's announcement, led by Umahi's brother, adds a significant dimension to the case, as the community seeks to address the spiritual implications of the tragic incident while the legal and investigative processes remain unresolved.
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