“Lying dad”… Southern Kaduna group rubbish claims by Mary Habila’s father their culture forbids autopsy

By our reporter 27.7.2026
Claims by late Mary Habila’s father people of Southern Kaduna forbid autopsy on their dead has been rubbished by the Southern Kaduna Peoples United Associations (SOKAPU).
Mary Habila a medical worker died in the house of minister of works Mr. David Umahi on June 27, 2026, In Uburu, Ebonyi State, her death has been deemed suspicious by the police in Ebonyi State, and it has also attracted public outrage.
While the public are eager to know what caused the sudden demise of the 26-year-old Habila who was reported found naked and bleeding from the nose and mouth, her father through a lawyer demanded that his daughter be buried immediately saying their culture forbids autopsy.
Mr. Umahi and his handlers had come up with theories on what led to her death, but these have been disputed by the police in Ebonyi State who are still keeping her remains waiting for a pathological examination of the body.
“And I, as the socio-cultural leader of the region, we are aware that the laws of the land supersede whatever culture you practice,” said Samuel Tabara SOKAPU’s president who was speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief.
“We are not aware of any culture belief that prohibits autopsy for the dead.
“There are laws in this country, and we should be seen to be guided by the laws of this country.”
He also said that he had interacted with the family of the deceased on the matter.
“I spoke with the father over the phone, and he directed me to speak with his lawyer. And I spoke with the lawyer, and he said it is the family’s resolve that you don’t want an autopsy.
“And I said to the lawyer, Well, this has generated so much concern among us as Southern Kauna people and the public at large,” he said.
“And 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, and it is just responsible of us as an organisation, a cultural organisation for that matter, the voice of the Southern Kauna people to take a position on this, and we decided to take legal action,” he added.