Family Petitions IGP for Release of Mary Habila's Remains for Burial

The family of the late Mary Habila is urging Nigeria's Inspector-General of Police to intervene and secure the release of her remains for burial. Ms Habila, who was attached to the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, died on June 27 in Ebonyi, but her body remains in official custody.

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Ms Habila was a qualified nurse, not a physiotherapist, and served at David Umahi University of Health Sciences before her deployment to the minister’s office.

According to Kaile Yusuf, the family's lawyer, they have met all police requirements for the body's release but have not yet received approval. Mr Yusuf briefed reporters at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, aiming to correct what he called misinformation about Ms Habila's profession and character. He clarified she was a qualified nurse and a civil servant who had worked with the minister for about three years.

The lawyer described the continued withholding of the body as unjustified and alleged that unnamed individuals were attempting to politicize the matter. The family has petitioned the IGP against the Commissioner of Police in Ebonyi, seeking the body's immediate release and disciplinary action against any officers who acted unlawfully. They have also rejected requests for an autopsy, citing personal, cultural, and traditional reasons.

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the continued withholding of the body as unjustified and alleged attempts by unnamed persons to politicise the matter.

Mr Habila's father, Tanko, appealed for the immediate release of his daughter's body, emphasizing the family's desire for a befitting burial. He stated the family was not accusing anyone of causing the death and maintained cordial relations with Ms Habila's workplace prior to the incident. A colleague, Anita Baki, confirmed Ms Habila's sudden death and reaffirmed her role as a nurse.

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the family only wanted to give her a befitting burial.