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The Southern Kaduna Peoples United Associations (SOKAPU) has renewed its call for an autopsy to be conducted on the late Mary Habila, a medical professional who reportedly died while on official duty, insisting that a forensic examination is necessary to establish the true cause of her death despite her family’s opposition.
Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Monday, SOKAPU President, Samuel Tabara, said the association respected the family’s position but maintained that the law empowers security agencies to investigate any suspected criminal matter, regardless of the wishes of relatives.
According to him, there is no cultural prohibition in Southern Kaduna against conducting autopsies.
“The family laid claim to culture,” Tabara said. “And I, as the socio-cultural leader of the region, we are aware that the laws of the land supersede whatever culture you practise. There are laws in this country, and we should be seen to be guided by the laws of this country.”
Tabara disclosed that he personally reached out to Mary Habila’s father, who referred him to the family’s lawyer. According to him, the lawyer informed him that the family had resolved not to permit an autopsy.
“I spoke with the father over the phone, and he directed me to speak with his lawyer. I spoke with the lawyer, and he said it is the family’s resolve that they don’t want an autopsy,” he said.
Despite that position, Tabara argued that the circumstances surrounding Habila’s death had generated widespread public concern, making an independent investigation necessary.
“The Commissioner of Police has jurisdiction to investigate suspected criminal matters regardless of whether the people involved want it or not. It is a statutory responsibility,” he stated, adding that SOKAPU had decided to pursue legal action to ensure a proper investigation.
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He clarified that the association was not accusing the Minister of Works, David Umahi, of involvement in Habila’s death but said only a thorough investigation could determine whether any criminal liability existed.
“We are seeking an investigation, and if the investigation proves that there is a need for legal action, we go ahead with the legal action. It is not for us to categorically say that the minister is complicit or not, and this is the one reason why an investigation should be conducted to lay to rest every element of doubt.”
Addressing questions over SOKAPU’s demand for ₦20 billion in compensation, Tabara explained that the figure represented damages that could arise if the investigation established criminal wrongdoing.
“The ₦20 billion has to do with damages related to her death if there is some element of criminality in the matter. We have put a figure forward. It is for the court of law to finally determine where necessary,” he said.
Mary Habila reportedly died at a private residence belonging to the Minister of Works in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State. Since then, her remains have remained in police custody.
Earlier, the deceased’s family appealed to the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to direct the release of her body for burial, insisting they did not consent to an autopsy. Their lawyer, Kaile Yusuf, also clarified that Habila was a trained nurse, not a physiotherapist, and had served as a civil servant under the Ministry of Works for about three years.
However, Umahi has also called for a comprehensive autopsy and an impartial investigation, arguing that only a forensic examination can establish the true cause of death, dispel speculation and ensure justice for all parties involved.
