The family of 26-year-old nurse Mary Habila has asked the Ebonyi State High Court to stop further investigation into her death and release her body for burial, while rejecting plans for an autopsy.
In an affidavit filed before the court, Habila’s father, Tanko Habila, said the family does not suspect any foul play in her death and would not consent to a post-mortem examination.
“Although we appreciate efforts to determine the cause of our daughter’s death, my family and I will not agree to an autopsy,” he stated.
Mary Habila, who worked at the David Umahi Federal University of Medical Sciences before being deployed to the Federal Ministry of Works, had served as a personal nurse to the Minister of Works, David Umahi, and members of his immediate staff for about three years.
She died on June 27, 2026, after accompanying the minister to his hometown in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
While the Minister of Works had reportedly requested an autopsy to establish the cause of death, Habila’s family insisted that her body should not be subjected to any medical examination.
“I also do not wish for the investigation to continue. I am requesting that my daughter’s body be released to us so that we can proceed with her burial,” Tanko Habila said in the affidavit.
He further maintained that the family’s decision was made voluntarily and without any external pressure.
“I was neither induced, coerced nor influenced by anyone. Everything contained in this affidavit reflects the genuine wishes of my family and me,” he added.
Despite the family’s position, the Ebonyi State Police Command said investigations into the circumstances surrounding the nurse’s death would continue.
Police spokesperson Joshua Ukandu said officers responded to a distress call on the day of the incident after receiving reports of a medical emergency at the David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital, Uburu.
According to him, Habila was confirmed dead before arriving at the hospital, prompting the Commissioner of Police to transfer the matter to the State Criminal Investigation Department for a comprehensive probe.
Ukandu disclosed that preliminary investigations showed Habila travelled to Uburu alongside another medical team member, Anita Baaki, as part of the minister’s entourage.
“Given the sensitive nature of the case, a post-mortem examination remains necessary to establish the actual cause of death,” the police spokesperson said.
He added that detectives had visited the scene, obtained statements from relevant persons and were making arrangements for a pathologist to conduct the autopsy.
The command also said it was awaiting the presence of Habila’s family or their representatives for the exercise, assuring the public that the investigation would be transparent, impartial and guided by due process.
