Family clears name of late Nurse, debunks malicious rumors.

By Sandra Kenneth

17\07\2026

The family of Mary Habila, a 26-year-old nurse who died under controversial circumstances, has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, demanding the immediate release of her remains for burial.

The family has also fiercely defended the character of the deceased, forcefully debunking rumors labeling her a "runs girl."

Addressing journalists on Friday at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, the family’s legal counsel, Kaile Yusuf, expressed deep regret that despite fulfilling all procedural requirements, the police have held the body for nearly three weeks.

The late Habila, who was attached to the office of the Minister of Works, David Umahi, was found dead on June 27 in a staff chalet at the minister’s country home in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

"It is regrettable that having followed all necessary procedures required by the Nigerian Police to retrieve the body to give her a befitting burial... her body is yet to be released," Yusuf stated.

The legal practitioner clarified that Habila was a professionally trained nurse and a dedicated civil servant who had worked under the Ministry of Works for three years, tendering her appointment letter and salary records to dispel false claims regarding her employment status. He strongly condemned attempts by certain individuals to politicize the tragedy.

The standoff between the authorities and the family centers heavily on a post-mortem examination. While the Ebonyi State Police Command and the Minister of Works maintain that an autopsy is mandatory to determine the cause of death due to the sensitive nature of the case, the family has resolutely rejected it.

"The family has resolved and are standing their ground not to allow it because of some personal, cultural, and traditional reasons," Yusuf explained.

Speaking at the briefing, the deceased's father, Tanko Habila, made an emotional appeal to the police hierarchy. "All I want is the corpse of my daughter. We don’t keep the corpses of little children for so long like this. I need the corpse of my daughter to take her for burial."

The grieving father emphasized that the family is not pointing fingers or accusing anyone, noting that they had maintained an excellent relationship with her employers prior to the incident.

Also speaking at the press conference, Habila’s colleague, Anita Baaki, expressed profound shock over the sudden passing, clarifying that she was the physiotherapist attached to the office, while Habila served strictly as the designated nurse.