Family Postpones Mary Habila's Burial as Police Insist on Autopsy Amid Ongoing Death Investigation

The family of 26-year-old Mary Habila, who was found dead under controversial circumstances at the residence of Nigeria’s Minister of Works, David Umahi, has postponed her burial indefinitely as police continue to insist on conducting an autopsy before releasing her body.

BREAKING: Family Postpones Burial Of Mary Habila Found Dead At Minister Umahi's Residence Amid Ongoing Autopsy Dispute

In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by Elisha Haruna on behalf of the family, the relatives announced that the burial earlier scheduled for Friday, July 17, had been put on hold.

“We wish to inform family, friends, and well-wishers that the burial ceremony of our beloved daughter (Mary Habila) has been postponed until further notice due to unforeseen 

The family added, “We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding, patience, and continued support during this time.”

It further stated, “A new date for the bur

The police said the command was awaiting the attendance of Habila’s family or their authorised representative before proceeding with the autopsy, which investigators consider essential to the ongoing probe.

According to the police, preliminary findings indicate that Habila, who was reportedly attached to the Minister of Works’ medical team, travelled with Umahi to his hometown in Uburu, Ebonyi State, where she died at his residence.

The command said detectives had visited the scene, obtained statements from relevant persons and were preparing for a forensic post-mortem examination.

The development follows legal advice from the Ebonyi State Director of Public Prosecutions, J.U. Chukwu, who said a post-mortem examination would provide crucial evidence to determine the cause of Habila’s sudden and unexplained death.

The DPP noted that available evidence showed Habila “laid lifeless on the floor of her apartment naked with blood stain on her nose and mouth” and concluded that only an autopsy could answer the question of what caused her sudden death, although he advised that the police retained the discretion to either proceed with the examination or honour the family’s wishes.

It was previously reported that Habila was found dead at Minister Umahi’s residence on June 27, sparking widespread public concern and calls for a thorough, transparent and independent investigation.

Umahi has denied any wrongdoing, saying he requested a comprehensive autopsy to establish the cause of death and urging the public to allow investigators to complete their work. Police investigations into the circumstances surrounding Habila’s death are ongoing.