The family of Mary Habila, the 25-year-old nurse who died at the residence of David Umahi, Minister of Works, has disclosed that she had been diagnosed with a heart condition and eventually died following a cardiac arrest.
Habila, who was attached to Umahi’s medical team, was buried on Friday in her hometown of Nok, Jaba Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
In a biography contained in the burial programme, the family said Habila had lived with a “hole in her heart” and had battled significant health challenges with courage and faith.
“Mary Habila lived with a heart condition, having been diagnosed with a hole in her heart. Though she faced significant health challenges, she carried herself with courage, faith, and quiet resilience,” the biography reads.
The family said her condition later became “critical” despite medical treatment, prayers and support from loved ones.
“She remained hopeful and continued to touch the lives of those around her with her kindness, strength, and gentle spirit. Despite medical care and the prayers and support of her family and loved ones, her condition became critical. She sadly passed away following a cardiac arrest, leaving behind a deep void in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
“Though her life was cut short, Mary will always be remembered for her strength in the face of adversity, the love she shared, and the lasting impact she made on everyone blessed to know her. May her gentle soul rest in perfect peace.”
Habila died on June 27 at Umahi’s residence in Umunaga, Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
Her death triggered widespread public concern, with several calls for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding her passing.
Following the incident, Umahi requested an autopsy by the Ebonyi State Police Command and urged authorities not to release Habila’s remains to her family until the post-mortem examination was completed.
The minister said the examination was necessary to establish the actual cause and circumstances of her death.
However, Habila’s family opposed the request, insisting that they did not want an autopsy conducted.
Despite the family’s objection, the Ebonyi police command subsequently said it would proceed with the autopsy to determine the cause of death.
The controversy surrounding Habila’s death later took a legal turn in July when the Incorporated Trustees of the Southern Kaduna Peoples’ United Associations (SOKAPU) filed a N20 billion lawsuit against Umahi.
The group alleged a breach of duty of care while Habila was in the minister’s custody.
The latest disclosure by the family now provides its account of the medical condition that preceded the young nurse’s death.
