Fresh legal advice from the Ebonyi State Ministry of Justice has recommended a post-mortem examination in the death of Mary Habila, a nurse attached to the office of Works Minister David Umahi, as her family continues to demand the release of her body for burial.
The recommendation comes amid ongoing police investigations into the circumstances surrounding Habila’s death on June 27, 2026, at a private residence linked to the minister.
According to the Director of Public Prosecutions, J.U. Chukwu, there was no evidence that Habila was suffering from any health condition before her sudden death.
The legal opinion stated that a post-mortem examination is necessary to establish the exact cause of death and guide investigators.
However, the ministry also noted that the police have the discretion to either respect the family’s objection to an autopsy or proceed with one in the interest of justice.
Meanwhile, Habila’s family has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, requesting the immediate release of her remains.
Through their lawyer, K.A. Yusuf, the family argued that continued police custody of the body has prevented them from carrying out traditional and religious burial rites.
Habila’s father, Wisdom Habila, reiterated that the family only wants to bury their daughter and is not accusing anyone of causing her death.
Police have also begun interviewing individuals considered relevant to the investigation.
Works Minister David Umahi, who addressed the matter publicly for the first time on Thursday, denied any wrongdoing and insisted there was no evidence of foul play.
He described Habila as “like a daughter” and said she had experienced previous medical challenges.
The family has also clarified that Habila was a nurse employed by the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences and not a physiotherapist, as previously reported.
The incident has sparked political reactions, with some calling for an independent investigation while others have urged that due process be allowed to run its course before any conclusions are drawn.
