The family of Mary Habila, the nurse who died at the residence of Works Minister David Umahi, has taken a fresh step by formally petitioning the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to intervene. The family is demanding that the Ebonyi State Police Command release her remains for a proper burial after nearly two weeks of waiting.
Family Submits Petition to Force Headquarters
On Friday, July 17, 2026, Mary Habila's father, Tanko Habila, led other family members and their lawyers to the Force Headquarters in Abuja. There, they submitted a petition to the IGP, calling for the release of her remains. The death of Mary, a nurse, at Umahi's residence has drawn sustained public attention and scrutiny.
Speaking to journalists after the petition was submitted, Tanko Habila expressed the family's frustration. He stated that the Ebonyi State Police Command had yet to hand over his daughter's body to the family, despite the passage of time.
Family Declines Autopsy, Seeks Burial
Habila made it clear that the family is not requesting an autopsy. "As we are standing here, somebody can fall and die. It has happened. All we want is her body to be buried," he said, as quoted by Vanguard. The family's sole request is for Mary's remains to be released so she can be laid to rest with dignity.
The case continues to attract public attention, with many following developments closely. The family hopes that the IGP's intervention will expedite the release of the body, allowing them to proceed with funeral arrangements.
