The family of the late physiotherapist, Mary Habila, has explained why it declined a request for a post-mortem examination following her death at the residence of the Minister of Works, David Umahi, in Ebonyi State.
Mary Habila, who was attached to the minister’s medical team, was pronounced dead after being taken to the David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital in Uburu on June 27.
In an affidavit filed before the Ebonyi State High Court on July 13, her father, Tanko Habila, stated that although the family welcomed efforts to determine the circumstances surrounding her death, they would not consent to an autopsy.
According to him, the family wishes for her body and organs to remain intact and does not want further medical examination to be conducted.
He also stated that the family does not suspect any foul play in her death and has no intention of pursuing additional investigations into the incident.
Tanko Habila further appealed to the Nigeria Police Force to release his daughter’s body to enable the family carry out her burial.
He maintained that his decision was made voluntarily and was not influenced, pressured or induced by anyone, insisting that it reflected the genuine wishes of the family.
Mary Habila died under circumstances that generated public attention while accompanying the Minister of Works to his hometown in Uburu, Ebonyi State.
Following the incident, David Umahi denied any attempt to conceal the circumstances surrounding her death and requested that the police conduct a post-mortem examination to establish the exact cause of death.
Despite the family’s decision to reject the autopsy and proceed with burial arrangements, the police have maintained that the examination remains part of their ongoing investigation. Authorities said they are awaiting the presence of the family or their representative before carrying out the procedure, assuring that the investigation will be conducted in a transparent and impartial manner.
