Family of Late Nurse Mary Habila Rejects Autopsy, Demands Release of Body for Burial—But Police Insist on Full Probe!

The controversial circumstances surrounding the sudden death of Mary Habila—a nurse attached to the David Umahi Federal University of Medical Sciences (DUFUMS)—have taken a dramatic new turn.

As the public demands answers, a major tug-of-war has erupted between the deceased’s family, the police, and government officials over how to handle her remains.

The Background: A Sudden and Shocking Loss

Mary Habila, who had been seconded to the Federal Ministry of Works in Abuja, served as a personal nurse to the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, and his immediate staff for nearly three years.

On June 27, 2026, during an official trip to the Minister’s hometown in Uburu, Ebonyi State, Mary was tragically found dead. She was discovered unconscious on the floor of her room in the staff chalet within the compound. Hospital authorities at the David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital (DUFUTH) confirmed she was brought in dead (BID).

The tragic news quickly went viral, sparking intense debates, conspiracy theories, and calls for justice across Nigerian social media.

“No Autopsy, Release Her Body”—Family Files Affidavit

In a surprising twist, Mary’s family has formally opposed any post-mortem examination. Her father, Tanko Habila, filed a sworn affidavit before the High Court of Ebonyi State, stating clearly that the family does not suspect any foul play.

In the affidavit, Tanko Habila wrote:

“While I welcome steps being taken to unravel the cause of my daughter’s death, my family and I will not accept any autopsy.”

The family has requested that the police immediately halt the investigation and release Mary’s body to them so they can bury her with her organs intact. They also noted that they will not be honoring further invitations from the police or courts, maintaining that their decision was made voluntarily and without any external pressure.

Police and Minister Dave Umahi Insist: “We Need Answers”

Despite the family’s plea to close the case, the Ebonyi State Police Command is refusing to back down.

The State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Joshua Ukandu, released a statement explaining that given the highly sensitive nature of the case and where the death occurred, a scientific autopsy is legally and procedurally necessary to establish the true cause of death.

Meanwhile, Minister Dave Umahi has also broken his silence on the matter. Denying any foul play, the Minister described Mary as “like a daughter” to him and actively supported the police’s call for a forensic investigation and autopsy to clear the air and ensure transparency. National student bodies (NANS and NAUS) have also aligned with the call for a full, unbiased investigation.

The police are currently waiting for the family or an authorized representative to be physically present, as required by law, to proceed with the pathologist’s examination.

What’s Your Take, NaijaTunesHub Fam?

This story is raising a lot of heavy questions. On one hand, the family wants to grieve in peace and bury their daughter without her body being cut open. On the other hand, the police and the public feel that without an autopsy, the truth behind her sudden death might never be known.