The family of Mary Habila, the physiotherapist who died at the Uburu residence of the Minister of Works, David Umahi, has explained why it rejected a post-mortem examination, saying it does not suspect any foul play and wants her body released for burial.

Mary Habila, who was attached to Umahi, was pronounced dead on arrival at the David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital, Uburu, Ebonyi State, on June 27.

Following public concern over her death, Umahi asked the police to carry out a post-mortem examination. However, the family rejected the request and fixed her burial.

Her father, Tanko Habila, stated the family’s position in an affidavit filed at the Ebonyi State High Court on July 13.

In the affidavit, he said that although the minister requested an autopsy, the family would not give its consent.

“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.

Habila said the family did not want any further investigation because they did not suspect foul play in their daughter’s death.

He also asked the Nigeria Police Force to release her body for 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 added that he was never “induced, coerced, or influenced in any way with anything or by anybody” to make the declaration.

“Everything deposed here reflects the sincere wishes of my family and me,” he added.

Mary Habila died on June 27 at Umahi’s residence in Uburu, Ebonyi State.

She was part of the medical team attached to the minister and had travelled with him to his hometown, where she reportedly died in a room at his residence.

Meanwhile, Umahi denied claims of a cover-up, saying the incident had been reported to the police for investigation. He also asked the police to conduct a post-mortem examination on the 26-year-old to determine the cause of her death.

Although the family has rejected the autopsy and fixed her burial for July 17, the police have said the examination should still go ahead.

The Ebonyi State Police Command spokesperson, Joshua Ukandu, said on Wednesday that the command was waiting for the family or its representative, as required, before carrying out the examination.

Ukandu, a Superintendent of Police, said the investigation would be “thorough, transparent, and impartial” and that the command would provide updates as the case progresses. (Nigerian Tribune)

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