The father of late Mary Habila, Mr. Tanko Habila Wisdom, has formally withdrawn his family’s request for further investigation into the circumstances surrounding his daughter’s death and rejected plans for an autopsy, insisting that her body be released for burial.
This was contained in an affidavit sworn before the High Court Registry in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, on July 13, 2026.
In the affidavit, Tanko stated that Mary Habila, his daughter, died on June 27, 2026, in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
He explained that before her death, Mary was a staff member of David Umahi Federal University of Medical Sciences and had been seconded to the Federal Ministry of Works, where she served for about three years in the office of the Minister of Works.
According to the affidavit, the deceased worked as the personal nurse to the Minister of Works and was among the minister’s immediate staff, residing at the minister’s guest house in Abuja and the minister’s staff quarters in Ebonyi State.
Tanko disclosed that following Mary’s death, the Minister of Works requested that an autopsy be conducted to establish the exact cause of death.
However, he said although the family appreciated efforts aimed at determining what led to their daughter’s death, they had unanimously decided against any autopsy.
The affidavit read in part, “While I welcome steps being taken to unravel the cause of my daughter’s death, my family and I will not accept any autopsy on my daughter’s body.”
He further stated that the family’s wish was for Mary’s body and organs to remain intact, adding that they were appealing against medical and investigative procedures that would require an autopsy.
The deponent also declared that the family no longer wished to pursue any investigation into the matter and requested that the Nigeria Police release Mary’s body to enable her burial.
“I also wish not to proceed further with the investigation and further request to have my daughter’s body released to me for burial,” the affidavit stated.
Tanko further declared that neither he nor members of his family would honour any future invitation from the police or any court concerning the case, maintaining that they did not suspect any foul play in Mary’s death.
He also insisted that his decision was made voluntarily and without any form of pressure.
“I was never induced, coerced or influenced in any way with anything or by anybody to make these depositions, as everything deposed here reflects the sincere wishes of my family and I,” he stated.
The affidavit noted that it was made for official and record purposes and was sworn before a Commissioner for Oaths at the High Court Registry, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, on July 13, 2026.
The development comes amid public interest surrounding the death of Mary Habila, whose case has attracted calls from various quarters for a thorough and independent investigation into the circumstances leading to her death.
The affidavit, however, indicates that her immediate family has formally opted against further investigative procedures and requested the release of her remains for burial.
