Mary Habila’s family has petitioned Nigeria’s Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, asking for the release of the nurse’s body for burial. Multiple outlets report that her father, Tanko Habila, made the appeal to the IGP, saying her remains have been retained by police since her death. The reports link the incident to Habila’s death at the residence of the Minister of Works, David Umahi, in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, where she was reportedly found dead at a private home.
According to the accounts, Tanko Habila appeared with his wife, other family members and lawyers, and spoke to the media shortly after submitting the petition. The family’s request focuses on ending the continued retention of the body so that a “proper burial” can take place.
One outlet also reports that the family is seeking a transfer of the investigation into her death from the Ebonyi State Police Command to Force Headquarters in Abuja, alongside the demand for the remains’ release. The articles describe the petition as dated July 17, 2026.
