Legal Action Demands Independent Autopsy in Controversial Death Case
The Southern Kaduna People’s Union (SOKAPU) has dismissed assertions that local customs prohibit autopsies, calling for the Federal High Court in Kaduna to mandate an independent post-mortem examination of the late nurse Mary Habila. The union is also seeking N20 billion in damages related to her controversial death.
In a lawsuit submitted through the corporation’s board, SOKAPU argues that an autopsy is vital for uncovering the truth behind Habila’s death. They contend that culture and religion should not obstruct justice or evade accountability in cases of significant public interest.
The union’s legal action names several defendants, including Labor Minister David Umahi, Habila’s father, Havila Tanko Wisdom, and the Attorney General of Ebonyi State, along with the Ebonyi State Police Commissioner.
Defending their stance, SOKAPU asserts that claims citing local customs and Christian beliefs as barriers to performing autopsies are erroneous. They emphasized that “there are no customs, traditions, or Christian doctrines in Southern Kaduna that forbid autopsies,” particularly when death occurs under suspicious or unexplained circumstances.
Mary Habila, who was part of Labor Minister David Umahi’s medical team, passed away on June 27 at her residence in Ebonyi State. Since then, widespread public outrage has been fueled by conflicting narratives surrounding her death, prompting calls for a thorough investigation.
This legal action follows Habila’s father’s plea to Police Inspector General Tunzi Dis, demanding the immediate release of his daughter’s body for burial. He argues that the family suspects no foul play and views an autopsy as culturally taboo for someone of Habila’s age. This position has attracted considerable backlash from civil society groups, medical experts, and many Nigerians, who assert that an autopsy is essential for determining the specific cause of death and addressing lingering questions about her demise.
SOKAPU has challenged the notion that cultural beliefs should hinder scientific investigation. “Attempts to resist the scientific determination of Mary Habila’s cause of death under the guise of culture are unacceptable,” the union stated. They are requesting the court to officially recognize that Habila died in “unexplained, controversial, and unnatural circumstances” and to appoint a panel of pathologists from respected institutions, including Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, the University Hospital in Ibadan, and the National Hospital in Abuja, to conduct the autopsy.
Additionally, the union seeks a court order for the Nigeria Police Force to conduct a comprehensive investigation before the body is released for burial. “We are asking the court to order an independent autopsy and a thorough police investigation prior to the burial,” SOKAPU added. They further demand £20 billion in damages, asserting that Habila’s fundamental rights were violated while under the Labor Minister’s oversight.
As public interest in the case intensifies, SOKAPU emphasizes that justice for Mary Habila and her family can only be achieved through an independent and transparent forensic examination. “No culture should be invoked to shield anyone from responsibility or obstruct the quest for truth in such a significant matter,” the union concluded.
Additionally, unconfirmed reports have surfaced suggesting that Habila’s body was recently airlifted from Ebonyi State to Abuja. However, this information has not been independently verified and lacks official confirmation from the Nigeria Police Force, the Federal Ministry of Works, or the deceased’s family.
The Federal High Court has yet to schedule a hearing for this case, which continues to attract widespread attention and calls for a transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding nurse Mary Habila’s death.
