Mary Habila had hole in heart, died of cardiac arrest — Family
The family of Mary Habila, the nurse who died at the residence of Works Minister David Umahi in Ebonyi State, has disclosed that she had been diagnosed with a hole in her heart.
Habila died aged 25 on June 27 at Umahi’s residence in Umunaga, Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, where she was attached to the minister’s medical team.
She was buried on Friday in Nok, her hometown in Jaba Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
According to a brief biography contained in the burial programme, the deceased had lived with the heart condition and continued to receive medical attention as her health deteriorated.
“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 Habila remained hopeful despite her health challenges and continued to show kindness and strength to those around her.
“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’s death generated significant public attention, with various groups and individuals calling for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding her demise.
Following the incident, Umahi requested the Ebonyi State Police Command to conduct an autopsy on Habila’s remains.
The minister also asked the police to withhold the body from the family until the post-mortem examination was concluded, saying the procedure was necessary to determine the actual cause and circumstances of her death.
The family, however, opposed the request, maintaining that it did not want an autopsy carried out on the deceased.
Despite the family’s objection, the Ebonyi State Police Command subsequently announced that it would proceed with an autopsy to establish the cause of Habila’s death.
The controversy surrounding the nurse’s death later took a legal turn.
In July, the Incorporated Trustees of the Southern Kaduna Peoples’ United Associations (SOKAPU) instituted a N20 billion lawsuit against Umahi over Habila’s death.
The group alleged that the minister breached his duty of care while the nurse was in his custody.
