The family of the late Miss Mary Habila has rejected plans to conduct an autopsy on her body, despite calls by the police and the Minister of Works’ family for a post-mortem examination to determine the cause of her death.

Miss Habila, a staff member of the David UmahiTinubu inaugurates David Umahi varsity Cancer centre Federal University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital, was on secondment to the Federal Ministry of Works as a nurse. She reportedly died at the residence of the Minister of Works in Uburu, Ebonyi State.

Her father, Mr. Tanko Habila, made the family’s position known in an Affidavit of Withdrawal filed before the High Court of Justice in Ebonyi State. The affidavit, obtained by The Guardian in Abakaliki, stated that the family wanted her body released for burial without any further medical procedures.

The deceased died on June 27, 2026, in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
According to the affidavit, she had been seconded to the office of the Honourable Minister of Works at the Federal Ministry of Works, Mabushi, Abuja, where she served 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 said that although the Minister of Works requested an autopsy to ascertain the cause of death, the family was opposed to the move.

“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 read.”It is my family’s wish and humble appeal, notwithstanding medical and investigative protocols, that her body and organs be left intact. Hence this affidavit.”

The deponent further informed the court that the family no longer wished to continue with the investigation and requested the immediate release of the body for burial.
“I also wish not to proceed further with the investigation and further request that my daughter’s body be released to me for burial,” he stated.
He added:

“I will not honour any subsequent invitation by the police or the court in respect of this case, as my family does not suspect any foul play.”

Miss Habila died at the Minister of Works’ residence 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, saying it was necessary to establish the actual cause of death.

The family’s latest position contrasts with the earlier stance of both the police and the Minister of Works, who had supported an autopsy.
The High Court is yet to rule on the application seeking the release of Miss Habila’s body for burial.