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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 an Ebonyi State High Court to halt the police investigation into her death and release her body for burial.
In an affidavit dated July 13, Habila’s father, Tanko Habila, said the family did not suspect foul play and would not consent to an autopsy.
He stated that although the family appreciated efforts to determine the cause of her death, they opposed any post-mortem examination and wanted her body and organs left untouched.
The affidavit also requested that the police discontinue their investigation and release Habila’s remains so the family could proceed with burial. Her father further said the family would not honour any further police or court invitations regarding the case, insisting their decision was voluntary and free from coercion or external influence.
Habila, who worked at the David Umahi Federal University of Medical Sciences, had been serving as a personal nurse to the minister and his immediate staff after being seconded to the Federal Ministry of Works. She died on June 27 while accompanying Umahi to his hometown in Uburu, Ebonyi State.
Despite the family’s request, the Ebonyi State Police Command said investigations would continue.
Police spokesperson Joshua Ukandu said officers responded to a distress call reporting a medical emergency involving Habila at the David Umahi Federal Teaching Hospital in Uburu, where she was confirmed dead.
He explained that the Commissioner of Police subsequently transferred the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department for a comprehensive investigation.
According to the police, preliminary findings showed Habila and another nurse, Anita Baaki, were members of the minister’s medical team and had travelled with him to Uburu before the incident.
The command maintained that an autopsy remained necessary to establish the exact cause of death because of the sensitive nature of the case. Detectives have visited the scene, recorded statements from relevant persons and are making arrangements for a pathologist to conduct the examination.
Police said they were awaiting the presence of Habila’s family or a representative to witness the post-mortem process and assured the public that the investigation would remain transparent, impartial and thorough.
