Family explains why they said no to autopsy for Mary Habila

The family of Mary Habila, a physiotherapist who died at the home of the Minister of Works, David Umahi, has explained why they turned down a post-mortem on her.

Mary Habila was declared dead when she arrived at the David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital in Uburu, Ebonyi State, on June 27. She worked closely with Mr Umahi and was with him in his hometown when she died.

After people raised concerns about her death, Mr Umahi asked the police to carry out a post-mortem. But her family rejected this request and moved ahead with her burial plans.

On July 13, Tanko Habila, the father of the deceased, filed an affidavit at the Ebonyi State High Court. In the affidavit, which was reviewed by PREMIUM TIMES, Mr Habila stated that although Mr Umahi wanted an autopsy, the family did not agree to it.

"While I welcome steps being taken to unravel the cause of my daughter’s death, my family and I will not accept any post-mortem on her body.
“It is my family’s wish and humble appeal, notwithstanding medical and investigation protocols, to leave her body and organs intact; hence this affidavit," he said.

Mr Habila added that they do not want any further investigation into their daughter’s death because they do not suspect foul play. He formally asked the Nigeria Police Force to return his daughter’s body for a proper burial.

"I also wish not to proceed further with the investigation and request that my daughter’s body be released to me for burial," he stated.

He stressed that he was not pressured or influenced in any way to write the affidavit. "Everything deposed here reflects the sincere wishes of my family and me," he said.

Mary Habila reportedly died under unclear circumstances at Mr Umahi's residence. She was part of the medical team working with the Minister and had traveled with him to Uburu, where she died in a room at his home.

In early July, Mr Umahi denied any cover-up regarding her death. He said the police had been informed about the incident and asked them to conduct a post-mortem on the 26-year-old to find out how she died.

While the family set the burial date for July 17 and opposed the autopsy, the police insisted on going ahead with their investigation. Joshua Ukandu, the police spokesperson in Ebonyi State, said on Wednesday that they were waiting for the family or their representative to proceed with the examination.

Mr Ukandu, a Superintendent of Police, promised that the investigation would be thorough and fair, and they would keep the public updated as the case moves forward.