The father of the late Miss Mary Habila has rejected plans by the police to conduct an autopsy on his daughter’s remains and says the family will no longer participate in the investigation into her death.
Mr. Tanko Habila Wisdom made the declaration in an affidavit of withdrawal filed before the High Court of Justice in Ebonyi State, where he appealed for the immediate release of his daughter’s body for burial without further medical examination.
Miss Habila, a staff member of David Umahi Federal University of Medical Sciences (DUFMS), died on June 27, 2026, in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
In the affidavit, Mr. Habila stated that his daughter had previously worked in the Office of the Minister of Works for about three years and served as a personal nurse to the minister and his immediate staff.
He said she resided at the Minister’s Guest House in Abuja and later at the Minister’s Staff Quarters in Ebonyi State while carrying out her duties.
According to the affidavit, although the Minister of Works, David Umahi, requested an autopsy to determine the cause of death, the family declined the request.
“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.
“It is my family’s wish and humble appeal, despite medical and investigative protocols, to leave her body and organs intact,” the affidavit stated.
Mr. Habila further informed the court that the family no longer wished to pursue the investigation, stressing that they did not suspect any foul play.
He also said he would not honour any further invitations from the police or the court in connection with the matter and urged the authorities to release the body for burial.
Miss Habila died at the Minister of Works’ residence in Uburu, where she was serving 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, saying the procedure was necessary to establish the actual cause of death.
The High Court is yet to rule on the application seeking the release of her body for burial.
