The Chairman of Jaba Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Benjamin Jok, has revealed that the father of late Mary Habila, the health worker who died at the residence of Minister of Works David Umahi, told him that an autopsy would not bring his daughter back to life. The disclosure came after the chairman paid a condolence visit to the bereaved family, even as police continue to insist that a post-mortem examination is necessary to determine the cause of death.
Fresh insight has emerged into the family’s decision to oppose an autopsy on the body of Mary Habila, following a condolence visit by the Chairman of Jaba Local Government Area, Benjamin Jok.
According to the council chairman, Mary’s grieving father said the family sees little value in prolonging the process because no medical examination can restore their daughter to life.
Speaking after visiting the family, Jok described the atmosphere as one of deep grief and sorrow.
He said Mary’s father expressed appreciation for the sympathy shown by government officials and members of the public but maintained that the family’s priority is to give their daughter a dignified burial rather than pursue further medical examinations.
According to Jok, the bereaved father repeatedly stressed that, in his view, “an autopsy cannot bring Mary back to life.”
The chairman’s remarks align with the position already taken by the Habila family in court filings and petitions to the authorities.
The family has formally requested the release of Mary’s remains for burial and stated that it does not wish to proceed with further investigations or consent to a forensic autopsy. They also said they do not suspect foul play in her death.
Despite the family’s position, the Ebonyi State Police Command has maintained that a forensic examination remains necessary.
Police say the circumstances surrounding the death require a transparent investigation and insist that determining the exact medical cause of death is in the public interest given the sensitivity of the case.
Investigators have indicated they are awaiting the family’s participation before proceeding with the planned post-mortem examination.
Mary Habila died on June 27, 2026, while accompanying the Minister of Works to Uburu, Ebonyi State, where she was part of his medical team.
The incident has remained one of Nigeria’s most discussed public investigations, with growing calls from different quarters for transparency while authorities continue their inquiries. Minister David Umahi has also publicly supported a forensic autopsy to establish the actual cause of death.
As investigations continue, the differing positions of the Habila family and law enforcement authorities have created a legal and emotional dilemma. While the family is seeking closure through burial, investigators insist that establishing the medical cause of death remains essential before the case can be concluded.