Mary Habila’s father rejects autopsy, wants daughter’s body for burial

The family of Mary Habila, a 26-year-old nurse who died at the residence of the Minister of Works, David Umahi, has formally requested the Ebonyi State High Court to halt the police investigation into her death. According to Arise TV, her father, Tanko Habila, filed an affidavit stating that the family does not suspect foul play in her passing and therefore refuses to consent to an autopsy.

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

Habila, who had been serving as a personal nurse to Minister Umahi and his staff for approximately three years, died on June 27, 2026, in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area, after accompanying the minister to his hometown. While Umahi had suggested an autopsy to ascertain the cause of death, the family has insisted on not proceeding with the procedure or allowing any examination of her body or organs. Her father reiterated the family's desire to have her remains released for burial without further investigation or court involvement.

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I also wish not to proceed further with the investigation and further request to have my daughter’s body released to me for burial.

Despite the family's explicit wishes, the Ebonyi State Police Command has indicated that the investigation will proceed. Police spokesperson Joshua Ukandu confirmed that detectives responded to a distress call reporting a medical emergency at the David Umahi Federal Teaching Hospital in Uburu. Habila was reportedly deceased upon arrival at the hospital, prompting the State Criminal Investigation Department to take over the case for a more thorough inquiry. Preliminary findings suggest Habila and a colleague were part of the minister's entourage.

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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.