- Mary Habila’s family rejected an autopsy
- They asked police to end the investigation
- Ebonyi Police insist the probe will continue
The family of 26-year-old nurse Mary Habila, who died at the country residence of the Minister of Works, David Umahi, has asked the Ebonyi State High Court to halt the ongoing police investigation into her death and release her body for burial.
In an affidavit reportedly filed before the court, Habila’s father, Tanko Habila, said the family does not believe there was any foul play and has declined to approve an autopsy, Eko Hot Blog gathered.
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He stated that while they appreciated efforts to determine the circumstances surrounding her death, they were unwilling to permit any post-mortem examination.
Mary Habila was employed at the David Umahi Federal University of Medical Sciences before being posted to the Federal Ministry of Works in Abuja. She had served as a personal nurse to the minister and 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.
Although Umahi had supported an autopsy to establish the cause of death, the family insisted that her remains should not be subjected to any medical examination.
Her father urged authorities to discontinue the investigation and release her body so the family could proceed with burial arrangements.
He also stated that neither he nor other family members intended to participate in further police inquiries or court proceedings related to the case, maintaining that they had no reason to suspect criminal involvement.
According to him, the decision was made freely without pressure, influence or inducement from any individual or organisation.
Despite the family’s request, the Ebonyi State Police Command has maintained that its investigation will continue.
Police spokesperson Joshua Ukandu said officers received a distress report on the day of the incident concerning a medical emergency at the David Umahi Federal Teaching Hospital in Uburu.
He explained that Habila had already been confirmed dead before arriving at the hospital, prompting the Commissioner of Police to transfer the matter to the State Criminal Investigation Department for a detailed inquiry.
Preliminary findings, according to the police, indicate that Habila and another medical worker, Anita Baaki, were members of the minister’s medical team and had travelled with him to Uburu before the incident.
The command stressed that a post-mortem examination remains important due to the nature of the case and the need to determine the exact cause of death.
Investigators have already inspected the scene and taken statements from relevant individuals, while arrangements are underway for a pathologist to carry out the examination.
Police added that they are awaiting the presence of the deceased’s family or a representative before proceeding and assured the public that the investigation would be conducted fairly and transparently, with updates to follow as new findings emerge.
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