The family of Mary Habila, the 26-year-old nurse who died at the country home of the Minister of Works, David Umahi, has asked an Ebonyi State High Court to discontinue the police investigation into her death and release her body for burial.
Her father, Tanko Habila, made the request in an affidavit dated July 13, stating that the family does not suspect any foul play and would not consent to an autopsy.
According to the affidavit, the family wants her remains released without further delay to enable burial rites.
Father says family wants investigation to end
Tanko Habila said the decision was reached voluntarily by the family and was not influenced by any individual or organisation.
He maintained that while he appreciated efforts to determine the cause of his daughter’s death, the family would not permit a post-mortem examination.
The affidavit also stated that the family does not intend to participate in further police or court proceedings related to the matter.
Nurse served in minister’s medical team
Mary Habila previously worked at the David Umahi Federal University of Medical Sciences before she was deployed to the Federal Ministry of Works in Abuja.
She served as a personal nurse to the Minister of Works, David Umahi, and members of his immediate staff for about three years.
Habila died on June 27, 2026, after travelling with the minister to his hometown in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
Earlier, Umahi had requested that an autopsy be conducted to establish the exact cause of her death.
Police insist investigation will continue
Despite the family’s request, the Ebonyi State Police Command says its investigation remains ongoing.
Police spokesperson Joshua Ukandu said officers received a distress call on the day of the incident and that Habila was confirmed dead before arriving at the David Umahi Federal Teaching Hospital in Uburu.
According to the command, the Commissioner of Police directed that the matter be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for a comprehensive investigation.
Authorities await family for post-mortem
Police said preliminary findings indicate that Habila and another medical personnel, identified as Anita Baaki, accompanied the minister to Uburu before the incident occurred.
The command said detectives have inspected the scene, obtained witness statements and are making arrangements for a pathologist to conduct a post-mortem examination.
Authorities added that they are awaiting the presence of the family or their representatives, describing their participation as important to the process.
The police also assured the public that the investigation would be conducted transparently and professionally, with further updates to be provided as new information emerges.