The family of 26-year-old Mary Habila has postponed her burial indefinitely following the refusal of the Ebonyi State Police Command to release her body without first conducting an autopsy.
The decision was announced in a statement issued on Thursday and signed by Elisha Haruna on behalf of the family. The burial, which had initially been fixed for Friday, July 17, has now been put on hold.
Explaining the development, the family attributed the postponement to unforeseen circumstances. “We wish to inform family, friends, and well-wishers that the burial ceremony of our beloved daughter, Mary Habila, has been postponed until further notice due to unforeseen circumstances,” the statement read.
The family apologised for the sudden change in plans and appealed for understanding from relatives, friends and supporters. They also assured the public that a new burial date would be communicated once the necessary arrangements are finalised.
In addition, the family expressed gratitude for the prayers, encouragement and solidarity received since Habila’s death.
The postponement follows a disagreement over the circumstances surrounding Habila’s death, which was reported to have occurred at the residence of the Minister of Works, David Umahi.
Meanwhile, the Ebonyi State Police Command has maintained that an autopsy must be carried out to determine the exact cause of death before the body can be released. The police have continued to withhold the remains despite the family’s objections to the procedure.
