TD The family of the late Mary Habila, a staff member of the David Umahi Federal University of Medical Sciences (DUFMS) who was on secondment to the Federal Ministry of Works, has formally opposed an autopsy on her body and requested that the Nigerian Police discontinue further investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death.
The family’s position was contained in an affidavit titled “Affidavit of Withdrawal of Case,” filed before the High Court of Justice of Ebonyi State by her father, Tanko Habila Wisdom.
In the sworn affidavit, the family stated that it does not suspect foul play in Habila’s death and wishes to proceed with her burial without further delay.
Family Says It Does Not Suspect Foul Play
According to the affidavit, Mary Habila died on June 27, 2026, in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
The document states that before her death, she was employed by the David Umahi Federal University of Medical Sciences and had been seconded to the Federal Ministry of Works in Mabushi, Abuja, where she served in the Office of the Minister of Works for approximately three years.
The affidavit further noted that she worked as the personal nurse to the Minister of Works, David Umahi, as well as members of his immediate staff.
According to the family, the Minister requested that an autopsy be conducted to determine the cause of her death. However, they have declined to grant consent for the procedure.
“While I welcome steps being taken to unravel the cause of my daughter’s death, my family and I will not accept any autopsy on my daughter’s body,” the affidavit stated.
The family also appealed to medical authorities and investigators to leave the deceased’s body and internal organs intact.
Family Requests Release of Body for Burial
In addition to rejecting an autopsy, the family requested that no further investigation be carried out and that Habila’s remains be released immediately 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,” the affidavit read.
The deponent further stated that neither he nor any member of the family would honour future invitations from the police or the courts concerning the matter, maintaining that they have no reason to suspect criminal activity in connection with Habila’s death.
The affidavit emphasized that the family’s decision was made voluntarily and without any pressure, coercion or inducement.
“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,” the affidavit stated.
The document added that it was sworn in accordance with the Oaths Act and that its contents were true to the best of the deponent’s knowledge.
Police Insist Investigation Will Continue
Despite the family’s position, the Ebonyi State Police Command has maintained that its investigation into the circumstances surrounding Habila’s death will continue.
In a statement issued on July 15, the Police Public Relations Officer, Joshua Ukandu, said the command received a distress call on June 27 from the Divisional Police Officer in Ohaozara regarding a medical emergency involving Habila at the David Umahi Federal Teaching Hospital, Uburu.
According to the police, officers who responded to the incident were informed that Habila had been brought to the hospital already dead.
The statement said the Commissioner of Police subsequently directed that the matter be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for a comprehensive investigation.
Death Occurred During Official Assignment
The police disclosed that preliminary investigations showed Habila and another colleague were members of the medical team attached to Minister David Umahi.
According to investigators, they accompanied the minister to his hometown in Uburu, Ebonyi State, where Habila reportedly died in a room within the compound of the minister’s residence.
Detectives have since visited the location, documented the scene and obtained statements from individuals considered relevant to the investigation.
The police further disclosed that arrangements had been made to engage a qualified pathologist to conduct a post-mortem examination to determine the precise cause of death and assist investigators in establishing the facts surrounding the incident.
Autopsy Remains Necessary, Police Say
While acknowledging the family’s refusal to consent to an autopsy, the Ebonyi State Police Command maintained that the examination remains essential because of the nature of the case.
According to the command, a post-mortem examination is necessary to scientifically establish the cause of death and ensure that all circumstances surrounding the incident are properly investigated.
The police also stated that they are awaiting the attendance of members of the deceased’s family or their duly appointed representative, describing their presence as important for the conduct of the examination.
Commitment to Transparent Investigation
The police assured the public that the investigation would be carried out professionally, transparently and without bias.
The command said it remains committed to uncovering the true circumstances surrounding Mary Habila’s death and pledged to provide further updates as investigations progress.
The case has continued to attract public attention following reports surrounding the circumstances of Habila’s death and her role within the Office of the Minister of Works.
The family’s decision to reject an autopsy and discontinue participation in the investigation now places it at variance with the position of the police, who insist that determining the exact medical cause of death is necessary in the public interest and for the integrity of the investigation.
The development sets the stage for possible legal and procedural questions regarding the conduct of the investigation, particularly where the wishes of a deceased person’s family differ from the statutory responsibilities of law enforcement authorities investigating an unexplained death.
