Group says forensic examination is necessary to establish the true cause of the medical professional’s death.
The Southern Kaduna Peoples United Associations (SOKAPU) has called for an autopsy to determine the cause of the death of medical professional Mary Habila, insisting that a thorough investigation is necessary to establish the circumstances surrounding her passing.
Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Monday, SOKAPU President Samuel Tabara said the association was unaware of any cultural prohibition against autopsies in Southern Kaduna.
Responding to questions about the family’s refusal to permit an autopsy, Tabara said the family cited cultural reasons but stressed that the laws of the country take precedence.
“As the socio-cultural leader of the region, we are aware that the laws of the land supersede whatever culture you practise. There are laws in this country, and we should be guided by them,” he said.
Tabara disclosed that he spoke with Mary Habila’s father, who referred him to the family’s lawyer. According to him, the lawyer confirmed that the family had resolved not to allow an autopsy.
He, however, maintained that the police have a statutory duty to investigate suspected criminal matters regardless of the wishes of those involved.
“It is not for us to categorically say that the minister is complicit or not. That is why an investigation should be conducted to lay every element of doubt to rest,” he said.
Addressing questions about SOKAPU’s demand for ₦20 billion in compensation, Tabara explained that the amount relates to damages that may arise if investigations establish any criminal liability, adding that the final decision rests with the court.
Mary Habila reportedly died at a private residence belonging to the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State. Her remains have since remained in police custody.
The deceased’s family had earlier appealed to the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to release her body for burial.
Their lawyer, Kaile Yusuf, said Habila died on June 27 while serving as a civil servant attached to the office of the Minister of Works after previously working at David Umahi University of Health Sciences.
He also clarified that she was a trained nurse, not a physiotherapist, and said her appointment records and salary documents confirmed her employment status.
Umahi has, however, insisted that a thorough, transparent and impartial investigation, including an autopsy, is necessary to establish the true cause of her death.
Through his legal counsel, the minister wrote to the Ebonyi State Commissioner of Police requesting that an autopsy be conducted before the body is released for burial, arguing that only a credible forensic examination can dispel speculation and ensure justice for all parties.