Police Insist on Probe as Mary Habila's Family Rejects Autopsy

The family of Mary Habila, the 26-year-old nurse who died at the country home of the Minister of Works, David Umahi, has asked the Ebonyi State High Court to halt further investigation into her death and release her body for burial.
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‎In an affidavit filed before the court, Habila's father, Tanko Habila, said the family does not suspect foul play and would not consent to an autopsy to determine the cause of her death.
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‎He stated that while the family appreciated efforts by authorities to establish the circumstances surrounding her death, they had decided against any post-mortem examination.
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‎According to him, the family also requested that her body and organs remain untouched, insisting that her remains be released without further delay for burial.
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‎Tanko Habila further informed the court that the decision was made voluntarily and without pressure, inducement or influence from any individual or organisation.
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‎Mary Habila, who worked at the David Umahi Federal University of Medical Sciences, had been seconded to the Federal Ministry of Works in Abuja, where she served as a personal nurse to the minister and his immediate staff for about three years.
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‎She reportedly died on June 27, 2026, after accompanying the minister to his hometown in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
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‎Following her death, the Minister of Works reportedly requested an autopsy to establish the cause of death, but the family declined the request.
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‎Despite the family's position, the Ebonyi State Police Command said its investigation would continue in line with standard investigative procedures.
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‎Police spokesperson Joshua Ukandu said detectives responded to a distress call on the day of the incident and subsequently transferred the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department for a comprehensive probe.
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‎He added that investigators had visited the scene, obtained statements from relevant persons and were making arrangements for a pathologist to conduct a post-mortem examination, while awaiting the attendance of the deceased's family or their representative.
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‎The police maintained that establishing the exact cause of death remains necessary due to the sensitive nature of the case and assured the public of a transparent, professional and impartial investigation.