Family Reveals Cause Of Mary Habila’s Death

The family of Mary Habila, the 25-year-old nurse who passed away at the home of Minister of Works David Umahi, have disclosed that she suffered from a congenital heart defect and succumbed to cardiac arrest.

Habila was laid to rest on Friday within her native community of Nok, located in the Jaba Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

A short biography shared inside her funeral booklet noted that Habila had managed the cardiac issue and stayed optimistic throughout her medical struggles.

“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 family stated.

The relatives explained that despite medical care, prayers, and backing from family and friends, Habila’s health eventually worsened.

They noted that she ultimately passed away after suffering a cardiac arrest.

“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,” the family added.

Habila passed away on June 27 at Umahi’s home situated in Umunaga, Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, where she served on the minister’s health staff.

Her passing sparked widespread public attention alongside demands for a probe into the events surrounding the incident.

In response to her passing, Umahi urged the Ebonyi State Police Command to perform a post-mortem on Habila’s body.

The minister additionally asked that her corpse be withheld from the relatives until the autopsy concluded, stating the procedure was vital to determine how and why she died.

Conversely, the family opposed the directive, stating they refused to permit an autopsy on Habila’s body.

The Ebonyi State Police Command later announced it would proceed with an autopsy to determine the cause of death regardless of the family’s refusal.

During July, the Incorporated Trustees of the Southern Kaduna Peoples’ United Associations (SOKAPU) launched a N20 billion lawsuit against Umahi over Habila’s passing.

SOKAPU claimed a failure in the duty of care while Habila resided under the minister’s supervision.

The family statement in her funeral program has now confirmed that Habila suffered from a pre-existing heart condition and died from cardiac arrest.