The family of 26-year-old nurse Mary Habila has asked an Ebonyi State High Court to halt police investigations into her death and release her body for burial, rejecting calls for an autopsy.
In an affidavit dated July 13, her father, Tanko Habila, said the family does not suspect foul play and would not consent to any post-mortem examination.
“While I welcome efforts to determine the cause of death, my family will not accept an autopsy,” he stated, adding that the decision was voluntary and not influenced by any individual or authority.
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 of Works, David Umahi, for about three years.
She died on June 27, 2026, in Uburu, located in Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, after accompanying the minister to his hometown.
Although Umahi had requested an autopsy to establish the cause of death, the family insisted that her body and organs remain untouched and urged authorities to discontinue the investigation.
However, the Ebonyi State Police Command said it would proceed with its inquiry. Police spokesperson Joshua Ukandu confirmed that a distress call was received on the day of her death reporting a medical emergency at the David Umahi Federal Teaching Hospital.
According to police, Habila was confirmed dead before arriving at the hospital. The case was subsequently transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further probe.
Preliminary findings indicate that Habila and a colleague, Anita Baaki, were part of the minister’s medical team and had traveled with him prior to her death.
Police said a post-mortem examination remains necessary due to the “sensitive nature” of the case and the need to determine the exact cause of death. Investigators have visited the scene, collected statements, and are awaiting the family’s presence to proceed with the autopsy.
Authorities say the investigation will continue and have promised a transparent and impartial process.
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