Mary Habila’s Family Demands Release of Her Body, Rejects Claims She Was a ‘Runs Girl’
The family of Mary Habila, the nurse whose death at a residence linked to the Minister of Works, David Umahi, has drawn national attention, has demanded the immediate release of her body for burial while strongly rejecting claims that she was involved in prostitution or was a “runs girl.”
Speaking to journalists, family members described the late Habila as a hardworking and respectable nurse whose reputation should not be tarnished by what they described as unverified allegations circulating on social media and other platforms.
According to the family, Mary was dedicated to her profession and was committed to building a better future. They insisted that there was no evidence to support the narratives portraying her in a negative light and urged the public to refrain from spreading misinformation while investigations into her death continue.
The relatives also appealed to the relevant authorities to release Habila’s remains so the family could give her a dignified burial in accordance with their cultural and religious beliefs. They said the prolonged retention of her body has added to their grief and emotional suffering.
The family’s latest appeal comes amid growing public interest in the circumstances surrounding Habila’s death. The case has generated widespread reactions, with human rights advocates and civil society organisations calling for a transparent investigation and a thorough forensic examination to establish the exact cause of death.
Meanwhile, Minister of Works David Umahi has publicly addressed the controversy, denying allegations of any improper relationship with the deceased. The minister has maintained that reports linking him romantically to Habila are false and has urged Nigerians to allow security agencies to complete their investigation before drawing conclusions.
Authorities have yet to announce the outcome of the investigation or release official findings regarding the circumstances surrounding the nurse’s death. Law enforcement agencies are expected to rely on forensic evidence, witness statements and medical examinations before making any formal determination.
Legal experts say preserving evidence and conducting a comprehensive investigation are essential in cases involving unexplained deaths. They also note that releasing a body for burial is typically subject to the completion of necessary investigative and legal procedures where required.
The death of Mary Habila has continued to dominate public discourse, with many Nigerians expressing sympathy for her family while calling for justice and transparency. Rights groups have reiterated the need for investigators to establish the facts through evidence rather than speculation.
As the investigation progresses, Habila’s family says its primary concern is ensuring that her name is cleared of what it considers damaging allegations and that she receives a proper burial. They expressed hope that the authorities would conclude their inquiries promptly while ensuring that justice is served.
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