Mary Habila’s Family Seeks End to Police Probe, Rejects Autopsy
Mary Habila’s Family Seeks End to Police Probe, Rejects Autopsy
Mary Habila’s Family Seeks End to Police Probe, Rejects Autopsy
The family of 26-year-old nurse, Mary Habila, who died at the country home of the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, in Uburu, Ebonyi State, has asked the state High Court to halt further police investigation into her death.
The family has also rejected an autopsy, saying it does not suspect foul play in the death of the nurse.
Mary’s father, Tanko Habila, made the request in an affidavit dated July 13, 2026, and filed before the High Court of Justice in Ebonyi State.
In the affidavit, he said that while the family welcomed efforts to establish the cause of his daughter’s death, they would not consent to an autopsy.
“While I welcome steps being taken to unravel the cause of my daughter’s death, my family and I will not accept any autopsy,” he stated.
Habila worked with the David Umahi Federal University of Medical Sciences before she was seconded to the Federal Ministry of Works in Abuja, where she served as a personal nurse to Senator Umahi and members of his immediate staff for about three years.
She died on June 27, 2026, in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, after travelling to the minister’s hometown.
Following her death, Senator Umahi reportedly called for an autopsy to determine the cause of death. However, the family has maintained that it would not permit the procedure.
Mary’s father also asked the authorities to leave his daughter’s body and organs untouched and release her remains to the family for burial.
“I also wish not to proceed further with the investigation and further request to have my daughter’s body released to me for burial,” the affidavit stated.
He further said the family would not honour any further police or court invitations concerning the matter, insisting that they did not suspect foul play.
According to him, the decision was voluntary and made without pressure, coercion or inducement from any person.
“While reiterating our request for the Nigerian Police to release my daughter’s corpse for burial, I wish to state that I was never induced, coerced or influenced in any way with anything or by anybody to make these depositions, as everything deposed here reflects the sincere wishes of my family and I,” he said.
However, the Ebonyi State Police Command has insisted that the investigation into the circumstances surrounding Habila’s death will continue.
The command’s spokesperson, Joshua Ukandu, said detectives received a distress call on the day of the incident reporting a medical emergency at the David Umahi Federal Teaching Hospital, Uburu.
The police investigation is expected to continue despite the family’s request for the case to be discontinued.
Mary Habila’s Family Seeks End to Police Probe, Rejects Autopsy
