Late Mary Habila’s father rejects autopsy, withdraws police from investigation

The father of late Miss Mary Habila, Mr. Tanko Habila Wisdom, has rejected plans to conduct an autopsy on his daughter’s remains and withdrawn from further investigation into her death.

In an affidavit of withdrawal filed before the High Court of Justice in Ebonyi State, Mr. Habila, a resident of Sabon Gari Noh, Jaba Local Government Area of Kaduna State, appealed for the immediate release of his daughter’s body for burial without any further medical examination.

Miss Habila, a staff member of David Umahi Federal University of Medical Sciences, died on June 27, 2026, in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

According to the affidavit, she had been seconded to the Federal Ministry of Works in Mabushi, Abuja, where she worked in the Office of the Minister of Works for about three years before her death.

> “That I am aware that my late daughter served as a Personal Nurse to the Honourable Minister of Works and the Minister’s immediate staff, with whom she resided at the Minister’s Guest House in Abuja and at the Minister’s Staff Quarters in Ebonyi State,” the affidavit stated.

Mr. Habila acknowledged that the Minister of Works had requested an autopsy to determine the cause of death but said the family would not consent to the procedure.

> “That 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.

> “That it is my family’s wish and humble appeal, despite medical and investigative protocols, to leave her body and organs intact,” the affidavit read.

He further informed the court that the family no longer wished to pursue the investigation and requested the immediate release of the body for burial.

> “That I also wish not to proceed further with the investigation and further request to have my daughter’s body released to me for burial.

> “That I will not honour subsequent invitations by the Police or the Court in respect of this case as my family does not suspect any foul play,” he stated.

Miss Habila reportedly died at the residence of the Minister of Works in Uburu, where she served as part of the minister’s immediate staff.

The Ebonyi State Police Command had earlier announced plans to engage a pathologist to conduct a post-mortem examination to determine the actual cause of death.

The family’s position now differs from the earlier stance of both the police and the Minister of Works, who supported an autopsy.

The court is yet to rule on the application seeking the release of the deceased’s body.

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