The circumstances surrounding the death of Mary Habila, a nurse attached to the office of the Minister of Works, David Umahi, have taken a fresh turn following new legal advice from the Ebonyi State Ministry of Justice, even as her family continues to demand the immediate release of her body for burial.

Akahi News gathered that the legal opinion recommended that investigators conduct a post-mortem examination to establish the actual cause of Habila’s sudden death, noting that available evidence did not suggest she had any known health condition before the incident. The recommendation has further intensified public interest in a case that has continued to generate nationwide attention.

According to the legal advice signed by the Ebonyi State Director of Public Prosecutions, determining both the immediate and underlying causes of Habila’s death is essential to ensuring a credible investigation. The document reportedly stated that she was healthy before returning to Uburu, Ebonyi State, shortly before her death and that questions surrounding how she died could only be answered through forensic examination.

However, Habila’s family has firmly opposed an autopsy. Through their legal representative, they petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, requesting that the deceased’s remains be released immediately for burial. The family argued that the continued retention of the body has subjected them to emotional, cultural, religious and financial hardship, insisting that they have already fulfilled every requirement requested by the police.

Akahi News learnt that Habila’s father maintained that he is not accusing anyone of causing his daughter’s death but simply wants her body released so she can be buried according to their family traditions and religious beliefs. Despite repeated questions about the proposed autopsy, he reaffirmed the family’s decision to reject the procedure.

Meanwhile, police authorities have reportedly invited several individuals considered relevant to the investigation to provide statements as detectives continue efforts to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident. Investigators have declined to disclose details of the interviews, saying inquiries remain ongoing.

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has denied any wrongdoing, describing attempts to connect him to the incident as politically motivated. He stated that the deceased had worked closely with him for several years and was like a daughter to him. Umahi also disclosed that Habila had experienced previous health challenges and insisted there was no evidence of foul play.

The deceased’s lawyer has also moved to correct reports circulating online, clarifying that Mary Habila was a qualified nurse, not a physiotherapist as previously reported. According to him, she had served in the minister’s office for about three years after being seconded from the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, where she remained a civil servant.

The incident has continued to attract political reactions, with some public figures calling for a transparent investigation, while others have urged Nigerians to avoid reaching conclusions before the police complete their work. Supporters of due process insist that only a thorough investigation backed by scientific evidence can determine the true cause of Habila’s death.

Analysis

The disagreement between investigators and the deceased’s family highlights the difficult balance between criminal investigation and cultural or religious burial rights. While forensic experts often consider autopsies crucial in unexplained deaths, families may object on deeply held personal or traditional grounds.

The case also underscores the importance of allowing law enforcement agencies to complete investigations without political pressure or public speculation. Given the high-profile personalities involved, transparency and professionalism will be essential to maintaining public confidence in whatever conclusion the authorities eventually reach.

Until scientific evidence and official investigations provide definitive answers, the mystery surrounding Mary Habila’s death is likely to remain a matter of intense public interest.