The family of Mary Habila, the 25-year-old nurse who died at the residence of Works Minister David Umahi, says she had been living with a heart condition before her death. The Mary Habila death has left many in shock.
According to TheCable, the family disclosed in a brief biography contained in Habila’s burial programme that she had been diagnosed with a hole in her heart. Later, she died following a cardiac arrest, which the family addressed in statements about the Mary Habila death.
Family details health struggle
The family said Habila had faced significant health challenges but remained hopeful and resilient despite her condition.
They said her health later became critical despite medical treatment, prayers and support from relatives and loved ones.
“Mary Habila lived with a heart condition, having been diagnosed with a hole in her heart,” the family said.
The biography added that she eventually suffered a cardiac arrest. This left what the family described as a deep void among those who knew her. The controversy surrounding the Mary Habila death has led to calls for further investigation.
Habila buried in Kaduna
Habila was buried on Friday in her hometown of Nok, Jaba Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
She died on June 27 while attached to Umahi’s medical team at his residence in Umunaga, Uburu. This is located in Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
Her death had attracted widespread public attention. As a result, there were calls from different quarters for a detailed investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident and clarity on the Mary Habila death.
Autopsy dispute followed death
Umahi had asked the Ebonyi State Police Command to conduct an autopsy on Habila’s body. The aim was to establish the cause and circumstances of her death.
He also requested that the body should not be released to the family until the post-mortem examination was completed.
Habila’s family, however, opposed the autopsy request and insisted they did not want the procedure carried out.
The Ebonyi police later said it intended to proceed with a post-mortem examination because of the public interest surrounding the case.
SOKAPU filed N20bn suit
The controversy also led to legal action.
In July, the Incorporated Trustees of the Southern Kaduna Peoples’ United Associations filed a N20 billion suit against Umahi over Habila’s death, bringing renewed attention to the Mary Habila death in the public sphere.
The group alleged a breach of duty of care while she was attached to the minister.
The family’s latest disclosure now presents its account of Habila’s health condition and what it says caused her death.
