Family of Late Mary Habila Rejects Autopsy, Files Affidavit to Halt Death Investigation in Ebonyi
The family of the late Mary Habila, a staff member of the David Umahi Federal University of Medical Sciences who was seconded to the Federal Ministry of Works, has formally requested the withdrawal of further investigation into her death and declined an autopsy.
In an affidavit titled “Affidavit of Withdrawal of Case” filed before the High Court of Justice of Ebonyi State, her father, Tanko Habila Wisdom, said the family was not alleging any foul play in her death and wished to proceed with her burial.
According to the affidavit, Mary Habila died on June 27, 2026, in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
The deponent stated that before her death, Habila was a staff member of 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 about three years.
The affidavit further stated that she served as a personal nurse to the Minister of Works and members of his immediate staff.
According to the document, the Minister of Works requested that an autopsy be conducted to ascertain the cause of her death.
However, the family said it would not consent to 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 and investigative authorities to leave the deceased’s body and organs intact.
The deponent further requested that no additional investigation be conducted and that the body be released 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 stated.
The document added that the family would not honour any subsequent invitation from the police or the courts in connection with the matter, maintaining that it does not suspect foul play.
The affidavit further stated that the family’s decision was made voluntarily and without any form of pressure 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 deponent stated.
The affidavit added that it was sworn for official and record purposes and that its contents were true and correct in accordance with the Oaths Act.
However, the Ebonyi State Police Command has said it will continue its investigation into the circumstances surrounding Habila’s death despite the family’s objection to an autopsy.
Meanwhile, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called for a thorough, transparent and independent investigation that commands public confidence.
ADC said the incident called for public inquiry because, ‘’Every Nigerian life matters. But when a citizen dies in the home of a serving cabinet minister, the matter immediately transcends private tragedy and becomes a question of public accountability.’’
