The family of 26-year-old nurse Mary Habila, who died at the country home of the Minister of Works, David Umahi, has asked an Ebonyi State High Court to halt the police investigation into her death and has declined permission for an autopsy.
According to Arise TV on Thursday, her father, Tanko Habila, made the request through an affidavit filed before the High Court of Justice in Ebonyi State, stating that the family does not suspect any foul play.
“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 previously worked at the David Umahi Federal University of Medical Sciences before being deployed to the Federal Ministry of Works in Abuja, where she served as a personal nurse to Umahi 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 requested an autopsy to determine the cause of death, the family rejected the request and also appealed to medical and investigative authorities not to tamper with her body or organs.
Her father further asked that the investigation be discontinued and that her remains be released to the family for burial.
“I also wish not to proceed further with the investigation and further request to have my daughter’s body released to me for burial.”
He also stated that the family would not respond to any further police or court invitations related to the case, maintaining that they had no reason to suspect foul play.
According to him, the family’s decision was made willingly, without any pressure, coercion, or inducement, and he urged authorities to release her body without delay.
“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.”
Despite the family’s request, the Ebonyi State Police Command said its investigation would continue.
Police spokesperson Joshua Ukandu said officers received a distress call on the day of Habila’s death reporting a medical emergency at the David Umahi Federal Teaching Hospital in Uburu.
According to the police, Habila had died before arriving at the hospital, prompting the Commissioner of Police to transfer the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department for a comprehensive investigation.
Preliminary findings showed that Habila and another medical staff member, Anita Baaki, were both attached to the minister’s medical team and had travelled with him to Uburu before her death.
The command maintained that an autopsy remains necessary because of the sensitivity of the case and the need to determine the actual cause of death.
Investigators have already visited the scene and taken statements from relevant persons. The police also said arrangements were underway for a pathologist to conduct the post-mortem examination, adding that they were awaiting the presence of the family or their representative, whom they described as essential to the process. The command assured the public that the investigation would be transparent and impartial, with further updates to follow.
