The father of the late physiotherapist, Mary Habila, has reportedly filed an affidavit opposing an autopsy on his daughter’s body, even as investigations into the circumstances surrounding her death continue.
Mary Habila, 26, died on June 27, 2026, at the private residence of the Minister of Works, David Umahi, in Uburu, Ebonyi State.
The case has attracted widespread public attention and calls for a transparent investigation due to conflicting accounts surrounding her death.
According to reports, Habila’s father, Baba Habila, has maintained the family’s decision to proceed with her burial without a post-mortem examination.
He is said to have deposed to an affidavit stating that he does not want an autopsy carried out on his daughter’s remains.
The family has fixed Friday, July 17, 2026, for her burial in Nok, Jaba Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Funeral arrangements released by the family indicate that the service will take place at the Deeper Life Bible Church in Nok.
The development comes despite repeated calls by Minister Umahi for a forensic autopsy to establish the exact cause of Habila’s death.
The minister has consistently said an autopsy would be the most credible means of determining what happened, but noted that the procedure would require the consent of the deceased’s family.
Police sources had earlier indicated that the death remained under investigation and reportedly favoured an autopsy before the body was released for burial. However, the family’s latest position appears to reaffirm its opposition to the procedure.
Meanwhile, civil society groups and public figures have continued to demand an independent and transparent investigation into Habila’s death.
The Nigerian Women International Alliance (NWIA) has urged President Bola Tinubu to ensure that the investigation is conducted impartially, while activist Omoyele Sowore has called for a coroner’s inquest before the burial proceeds.
As of the time of filing this report, the Ebonyi State Police Command has not publicly commented on the reported affidavit or whether it would affect the ongoing investigation.
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