The family of Mary Habila, the 26-year-old nurse who was found dead at the country home of the Minister of Works, David Umahi, has appealed to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, to order the immediate release of her body for burial, while strongly rejecting allegations that she was involved in prostitution or other illicit activities.
The appeal was made by the family’s lawyer, Barrister Chinedu Nwankwo, who described reports portraying the deceased as a “runs girl” as false, defamatory and an attempt to tarnish her reputation following her death. He maintained that Habila was a trained healthcare professional with a reputable character and urged the public to disregard what he called “malicious narratives” circulating on social media.
According to the lawyer, the family is opposed to the continued withholding of Habila’s remains, arguing that they should be allowed to give her a dignified burial in accordance with their religious and cultural beliefs.
Also read:Ebonyi Police insist on autopsy for nurse found dead at Umahi’s Country home
He also reiterated the family’s objection to an autopsy, insisting that they do not believe the procedure is necessary and urging the police authorities to respect the wishes of the deceased’s relatives.
The appeal comes amid an ongoing investigation by the Ebonyi State Police Command, which has maintained that a post-mortem examination is essential to establish the exact cause of Habila’s death.
Police spokesperson SP Joshua Ukandu recently stated that the command had transferred the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) and insisted that an autopsy forms a crucial part of the investigation despite the family’s reservations. Authorities said the examination would help detectives determine the circumstances surrounding the death before any conclusions are reached.
Minister of Works David Umahi has also publicly supported the conduct of an autopsy, dismissing allegations that the incident was being concealed. He said the matter was promptly reported to the police and pledged his full cooperation with investigators.
The circumstances surrounding Habila’s death have generated widespread public attention, with civil society groups and political stakeholders calling for a transparent and impartial investigation.
As of the time of filing this report, the Ebonyi State Police Command had not acceded to the family’s request for the release of the body, maintaining that investigations are ongoing. No official cause of death has been established, and authorities have urged the public to avoid speculation while the inquiry continues.
