The family of Miss Mary Habila, the nurse who died under controversial circumstances at the Ebonyi residence of the Minister of Works, David Umahi, has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), demanding the immediate release of her body for burial.
Mary’s father, Tanko Habila, accompanied by his wife, other family members, and their legal representatives, submitted the petition at the Force Headquarters in Abuja on Friday, July 17, before addressing journalists.
Speaking through his lawyer, Mr. Habila expressed frustration that nearly two weeks after his daughter’s death, the Ebonyi State Police Command had yet to release her remains to the family.
According to him, the family does not wish to pursue an autopsy and simply wants to lay their daughter to rest.
“As we are standing here, somebody can fall and die. It has happened. All we want is her body to be buried,” he said.
The family’s request, however, contrasts with the position of the Minister of Works, David Umahi, who has formally asked the police to ensure that a post-mortem examination is conducted before the body is released.
In a petition signed by his lawyer, Roy Nwaeze, Umahi urged the Ebonyi State Police Command not to hand over Mary Habila’s remains until an autopsy has been completed. According to the minister, the examination is necessary to determine the actual cause of death and clarify the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Mary Habila was an employee of the David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital and was attached to the minister’s medical team at the time of her death on June 27.
Her death has continued to attract widespread public attention, with many Nigerians calling for a transparent and comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. While the family insists on an immediate burial without further medical examination, the minister maintains that an autopsy is essential to establish the facts before any final rites are conducted.
The police have yet to publicly announce a decision on the family’s petition or the minister’s request as investigations into the case continue.