Mary Habila’s Father Rejects Autopsy, Demands Daughter’s Body for Burial

• The family of 26-year-old nurse Mary Habila, who died at the country home of Minister of Works David Umahi, has rejected an autopsy and asked the police to discontinue their investigation.

The family of Mary Habila, the 26-year-old nurse who died at the country home of the Minister of Works, David Umahi, has rejected plans for an autopsy and asked the police to discontinue their investigation into her death.

In an affidavit filed before the High Court of Justice in Ebonyi State, Habila’s father, Tanko Habila, said the family does not suspect foul play and wants her body released immediately for burial.

“While I welcome steps being taken to unravel the cause of my daughter’s death, my family and I will not accept any autopsy,” the affidavit stated.

Family opposes further investigation

According to the affidavit, the family also requested that medical and investigative authorities refrain from conducting any examination on Habila’s body.

Her father further declared that the family no longer wished to pursue the investigation and would not honour any further invitations from the police or the court regarding the matter.

“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 maintained that the decision was made voluntarily and without pressure from anyone.

“I was never induced, coerced or influenced in any way by anybody to make these depositions. Everything stated here reflects the sincere wishes of my family and me.”

Nurse died during trip with Umahi

Mary Habila worked at 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 Minister David 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 accompanying the minister to his hometown.

Following her death, Umahi requested that an autopsy be conducted to determine the exact cause of death.

Police insist probe will continue

Despite the family’s position, the Ebonyi State Police Command says its investigation will continue.

Police spokesperson Joshua Ukandu said officers received a distress call reporting a medical emergency at the David Umahi Federal Teaching Hospital, Uburu, but Habila had already died before arriving at the facility.

The Commissioner of Police subsequently transferred the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for a comprehensive investigation.

According to the police, preliminary findings show that Habila and another medical team member, identified as Anita Baaki, had accompanied the minister to Uburu before the incident.

The command said a post-mortem examination remains necessary given the sensitive nature of the case.

“The examination remains necessary given the sensitive nature of the case and the imperative of establishing the true cause of death,” the police said.

Detectives have already visited the scene, taken statements from relevant persons and are awaiting the attendance of Habila’s family or their representatives before conducting the post-mortem examination.

The police also pledged to carry out a transparent and impartial investigation, promising to provide further updates as the case progresses.