‘We Don’t Keep Corpse Of Little Child Up To So Long’— Mary Habila’s Father Defends Rejection Of Autopsy 

The father of the late Mary Habila, the 26-year-old nurse who died at the Ebonyi State residence of the Minister of Works, David Umahi, has defended his family’s decision to reject an autopsy, insisting they only want her body released for burial without further delay.

Habila’s father, Mr. Habila Wisdom, made the remarks during an interview aired by Trust TV News and shared on X on Friday, saying the prolonged retention of his daughter’s remains was contrary to the family’s beliefs.

“We don’t keep the death of a little child up to so long, just like this. So that is why I am here to say once again and for all, I need the corpse of my daughter to take her for burial. That is what I am standing on,” he said.

Explaining why the family opposed a post-mortem examination, Wisdom said their decision was motivated solely by the desire to bury their daughter promptly.

“That is why I said I don’t want the autopsy. That is why I am demanding the corpse of my daughter to go and bury her now,” he stated.

Responding to questions over allegations that his daughter may have been assaulted at the minister’s residence, Wisdom dismissed any suspicion of foul play, describing her relationship with both her employers and Umahi’s household as cordial.

“Very cordial relationship, both in her working place, in my home and everywhere,” he said.

“I am not suspecting anybody because death can occur. Even as we are standing here, one can fall here now and die. So we are not suspecting anybody. It has happened, it has happened.”

Mary Habila reportedly died on June 27 in a room within Umahi’s compound in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, where she and members of the minister’s medical team had travelled for official duties.

The Ebonyi State Police Command said doctors at the David Umahi Federal Teaching Hospital, Uburu, confirmed that she was brought to the facility dead. The case was subsequently transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for a full investigation.

Despite the family’s position, the police have maintained that an autopsy is necessary to determine the actual cause of death. The family has, however, approached the Ebonyi State High Court seeking an order to halt the police investigation and facilitate the release of Habila’s remains for burial.

Umahi, who addressed the controversy on Thursday, also denied any wrongdoing, maintaining that no foul play was involved in the nurse’s death. The minister described Habila as “like a daughter,” noting that she had worked with him for about three years and that he had personally paid some of her medical bills in the past.