Mary Habila: SOKAPU Files Suit Against Umahi, Demands Autopsy and ₦20bn Compensation

The Incorporated Trustees of the Southern Kaduna Peoples United Association (SOKAPU) has filed a suit before the Federal High Court in Kaduna against the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, seeking a court order compelling authorities to conduct an autopsy on Mary Habila, the nurse who died while attached to the minister's medical team.

The association is also asking the court to award ₦20 billion in damages against the minister over what it described as the loss of the nurse's life while she was under his care.

According to court documents, the suit also names Habila Tanko Wisdom, father of the deceased, the Attorney-General of Ebonyi State, and the Commissioner of Police in Ebonyi State as respondents.

SOKAPU is urging the court to order a forensic examination to establish the exact cause of Mary Habila's death, arguing that an autopsy is necessary to resolve lingering questions surrounding the circumstances of the incident.

The association further contends that the minister owed the deceased a duty of care while she served as part of his medical team and is seeking compensation over what it alleges was a breach of that obligation.

The suit marks the latest legal development in a case that has generated significant public attention and renewed calls for transparency in determining how the nurse died.

The legal action comes after the Ebonyi State Police Command maintained that an autopsy would be carried out despite reports that some members of the deceased's family had opposed the procedure.

Minister Umahi had earlier written to the Commissioner of Police in Ebonyi State requesting that a post-mortem examination be conducted to determine the circumstances surrounding the nurse's death.

Police authorities have maintained that scientific evidence remains critical to any investigation into the incident.

Legal observers say the case could raise important questions regarding workplace responsibility, duty of care and the role of forensic evidence in resolving disputed deaths involving public officials.

The suit also places renewed attention on the investigative process, with the court expected to consider whether an autopsy should proceed before any final determination is made on liability or damages.

No date has yet been fixed for the hearing.

Mary Habila reportedly died on June 27, 2026, while attached to the Minister of Works medical team at his residence. Her death has since sparked public debate, with civil society organisations and interest groups calling for an independent investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.

While no official cause of death has been announced, both the police and the minister have publicly supported an autopsy as part of the investigative process. The outcome of the Federal High Court proceedings is expected to shape the next phase of the case.