Mary Habila: Our culture does not forbid autopsy – Southern Kaduna group

The Southern Kaduna Peoples United Associations, SOKAPU, has pushed for an autopsy to determine the cause of the death of Mary Habila, a medical professional who allegedly died while on official duty in the residence of the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi.

The group’s President, Samuel Tabara, in an interview on Channels Television’s ‘Morning Brief’ on Monday, said he was not aware of any cultural restraint against autopsies in Southern Kaduna.

Asked what he thought was the reason behind Mary Habila’s family’s decision against an autopsy, the SOKAPU president said the family laid claim to culture.

“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,” said Tabara.

Tabara equally asserted that he had interacted with the family of the deceased on the matter.

The SOKAPU leader, however, said that a lawyer had been detailed to execute a service on the minister but had yet to receive feedback from the lawyer.

While providing further details on the demand for N20 billion compensation, Tabara said that the N20 billion has to do with damages related to Mary Habila’s death if there is some element of criminality in the matter.

DAILY POST recalls that Mary Habila was reported dead at a private residence belonging to Umahi in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

Since then, her remains have remained in police custody.

However, the family of the deceased had appealed to the Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu, to intervene in the continued retention of her remains, urging the police authorities to release her body for burial.