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AFFIDAVIT REVEALS WHY FAMILY REJECTED AUTOPSY, ASKED POLICE TO DROP PROBE INTO NURSE’S DEATH AT UMAHI’S COUNTRY HOME

An affidavit filed before the Ebonyi State High Court has revealed why the family of 26-year-old nurse, Mary Habila, rejected an autopsy and asked the police to discontinue investigations into her death.

The affidavit, deposed to by her father, Tanko Habila, and dated July 13, stated that the family does not suspect any foul play in the circumstances surrounding Mary’s death and wants her body released immediately for burial.

In the court document, Habila said the family would not consent to any post-mortem examination and requested that her body and internal organs remain untouched.

“While I welcome steps being taken to unravel the cause of my daughter’s death, my family and I will not accept any autopsy,” the affidavit stated.

He further declared that the family no longer wished to pursue the investigation and would not honour any further invitations from the police or the court over the matter.

“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 stated.

Habila stressed that the decision was voluntary and not influenced by any individual or organisation, insisting it reflected the genuine wishes of the family.

Mary, who previously worked at the David Umahi Federal University of Medical Sciences, had been serving as a personal nurse to the Minister of Works, David Umahi, and members of his immediate staff after being seconded to the Federal Ministry of Works in Abuja about three years ago.

She died on June 27, 2026, after accompanying the minister to his hometown in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

Although Minister Umahi had requested an autopsy to determine the exact cause of her death, the family has remained firm in its opposition.

Meanwhile, the Ebonyi State Police Command has insisted that its investigation will continue despite the family’s request.

Police spokesperson Joshua Ukandu said detectives responded to a distress call on the day of the incident and that the Commissioner of Police directed the State Criminal Investigation Department to take over the case because of its sensitive nature.

According to the police, preliminary findings indicate that Mary and another nurse, Anita Baaki, were members of the minister’s medical team and had travelled with him to Uburu before her death.

The command said a post-mortem examination remains necessary to establish the true cause of death, adding that detectives have already visited the scene, taken statements and are awaiting the family’s participation before the examination is carried out.

Police also pledged a transparent and impartial investigation, promising to provide further updates as the case progresses.

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