The father of late physiotherapist, Mary Habila, who died under controversial circumstances at the Ebonyi State residence of the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, has rejected an autopsy on his daughter’s body and withdrawn from any further police investigation or possible court proceedings.
Tanko Habila Wisdom, father of the 25-year-old healthcare worker, made his position known in a sworn affidavit, insisting that his family wanted the deceased’s body released immediately for burial.
His decision comes after Minister Umahi reportedly requested that an autopsy be carried out to determine the exact cause of Mary’s death.
In the affidavit, Wisdom said although the family appreciated efforts to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident, they would not permit an autopsy or any procedure that would tamper with the deceased’s body.
He stated: “While I welcome steps being taken to unravel the cause of my daughter’s death, my family and I will not accept any autopsy on my daughter’s body.”
The bereaved father added that preserving the body intact was a deeply held family decision.
“It is my family’s wish and humble appeal against medical and investigation protocols to leave her body and organs intact, hence this affidavit,” he stated.
Wisdom further declared that the family had no intention of pursuing any investigation into the matter and requested that the police release Mary’s remains without delay.
“I also wish not to proceed further with the investigation and further request to have my daughter’s body released to me for burial,” he said.
He also indicated that neither he nor members of his family would honour future invitations from the police or appear in court over the case, stressing that they did not suspect foul play in the circumstances surrounding their daughter’s death.
“I will not honour subsequent invitation either to the Police or Court in respect of this case as my family is not suspecting any foul play,” the affidavit read.
Addressing possible speculation over his decision, Wisdom maintained that his position was entirely voluntary and free from external influence.
“While reiterating on our request for the Nigerian Police to release my daughter’s corpse for burial, I wish to state that I was never induced, coerced or influenced in any way with anything or by anybody to make these depositions, as everything deposed here reflects the sincere wishes of my family and I.”
The development is expected to shape the next steps in the ongoing police handling of the case, which attracted public attention following reports that the young physiotherapist died at the residence of the Minister of Works.
Authorities are yet to officially announce the implications of the family’s decision on the investigation.
