Father of Late Mary Habila Rejects Autopsy, Says Family Suspects No Foul Play
Father of Late Mary Habila Rejects Autopsy, Says Family Suspects No Foul Play
The father of the late Mary Habila, the 26-year-old medical doctor and physiotherapist who died while serving at the residence of the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has formally rejected plans for an autopsy and requested that all investigations into her death be discontinued.
According to a court affidavit sworn by her father, he stated that Mary Habila died on June 27, 2026, at Uburu in Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
The affidavit explained that before her death, the deceased was a staff member of the David Umahi Federal University of Medical Sciences (DUFUMS) and had been seconded to the Federal Ministry of Works in Abuja, where she served for about three years.
Her father further deposed that Mary worked as the personal nurse to the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, and also attended to members of the minister’s immediate staff.
According to the affidavit, she resided at the minister’s official guest house in Abuja and at the minister’s staff quarters in Ebonyi State during the period of her assignment.
The affidavit acknowledged that following Mary’s death, the Minister of Works requested that an autopsy be carried out to determine the cause of death.
However, while appreciating the efforts to establish the circumstances surrounding her passing, her father stated that neither he nor his family would consent to an autopsy being conducted on her body.
He explained that it was the family’s heartfelt wish for Mary’s body and internal organs to remain intact, prompting him to swear the affidavit to formally communicate their position.
The affidavit also stated that the family does not wish to pursue any further police investigation into the matter and appealed for the immediate release of Mary’s body to enable her burial.
In addition, the deponent declared that he would not honour any future invitations from the police or appear in court regarding the case, maintaining that the family does not suspect any foul play in their daughter’s death.
The affidavit has emerged amid continued public interest and calls from some Nigerians for a coroner’s inquest into the circumstances surrounding the young doctor’s sudden death. While critics have urged authorities to carry out a comprehensive investigation, the family has now officially indicated that it does not seek any further inquiry and wishes to proceed with her burial.
