Father tells court no foul play suspected, police insist investigation must continue
The family of Mary Habila, the 26-year-old nurse who died at the country home of Minister of Works, David Umahi, has asked an Ebonyi State court to withdraw the police investigation into her death. Her father, Tanko Habila, said the family does not suspect foul play and wants her remains released for burial.
In an affidavit dated July 13 and filed before the High Court of Justice in Ebonyi State, Habila stated: “While I welcome steps being taken to unravel the cause of my daughter’s death, my family and I will not accept any autopsy.” He also asked medical and investigative authorities to leave her body and organs untouched.
Mary Habila worked at the David Umahi Federal University of Medical Sciences before being seconded to the Federal Ministry of Works in Abuja. 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 LGA, after travelling with the minister to his hometown.
Umahi had asked that an autopsy be carried out to determine the cause of her death. However, the family rejected the procedure. Tanko Habila said the decision was voluntary and made without pressure, adding: “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 said the family would not honour further police or court invitations.
Despite the family’s position, the Ebonyi State Police Command said the investigation would go on. Spokesperson Joshua Ukandu said detectives received a distress call reporting a medical emergency at the David Umahi Federal Teaching Hospital in Uburu, but Habila had already died before arrival. The Commissioner of Police transferred the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department for a fuller inquiry.
Police said preliminary findings showed Habila and a colleague, Anita Baaki, were part of the minister’s medical team and had accompanied him to Uburu. “The examination remains necessary given the sensitive nature of the case and the imperative of establishing the true cause of death,” the command stated. Detectives have visited the scene, taken statements, and are arranging for a pathologist to conduct a post-mortem, with the family’s presence described as essential. The command promised a transparent and impartial investigation with further updates to follow.
