Tanko Habila Wisdom, the father of the late Mary Habila, the nurse who died at the Abuja residence of Minister of Works David Umahi, has formally petitioned the Inspector General of Police (IGP) at the Force Headquarters in Abuja. On Friday, July 18, accompanied by family members and their lawyers, he delivered a petition requesting the Ebonyi State Police Command to release Mary's remains for burial. The family expressed frustration over the prolonged delay, having waited nearly two weeks without being able to inter their daughter.
Father Speaks After Petitioning the IGP
Speaking to journalists after the visit, Tanko Habila Wisdom made clear the family's singular objective. "I don't have much to air in this case. All that I want is the body of my daughter," he said. He emphasized that it is unacceptable for a young person's body to remain with authorities for such an extended period, stating that the family came to the police headquarters specifically to make that position clear. "We do not keep the body of a little child for so long, just like this. That is why I am here to say this once and for all. I need to take her for burial," he told reporters.
No Autopsy Requested
The family also stated that they are not requesting a post-mortem examination. "That is why I said I do not want an autopsy," Habila added. This decision underscores their primary focus on burial rather than determining the cause of death through forensic means.
Father Rules Out Suspicion
On the question of culpability, the grieving father was equally emphatic. He described his relationship with Mary as warm and untroubled, both at home and in her professional environment. "We were having a very cordial relationship, both in her workplace, my home, and everywhere," he said. He went on to dismiss the idea of pointing fingers at any individual. "I am not suspecting anybody because death can occur, even as we are standing here; one can fall here and die. It has happened."
Background of the Case
Mary Habila, a nurse, died at the Abuja residence of Minister of Works David Umahi. Her death has attracted significant public attention. Earlier, Minister Umahi denied any wrongdoing, stating he suspected no foul play and that investigations were ongoing. Umahi claimed Habila had an existing medical condition and disclosed that he paid N2.2 million for her treatment in Turkey. He urged investigators to examine her medical records and phone call logs.
