The family of Mary Habila, the 25-year-old nurse who died at the residence of Minister of Works David Umahi in Ebonyi State, has said she had a longstanding heart condition and died following a cardiac arrest.
The family disclosed this in a brief biography contained in the programme for Habila’s burial, providing its first detailed account of the cause of her death since the incident generated public attention.
According to the family, Habila had previously been diagnosed with a “hole in her heart” and had lived with the condition while continuing her career and other activities.
The family said her health condition later became critical despite medical treatment, prayers and support from relatives and loved ones. It said she eventually suffered cardiac arrest, resulting in her death.
Habila died on June 27, 2026, in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, where she had travelled for an official assignment. She was attached to the office of Umahi as a nurse.
Also read: Mary Habila buried in Kaduna as autopsy dispute leaves questions over death at Umahi’s residence
Her death prompted calls for an investigation and an autopsy to establish the circumstances and medical cause of her death. Umahi had requested a post-mortem examination, while the Ebonyi State Police Command said it would conduct an autopsy.
Habila’s family, however, opposed the procedure and subsequently sought the release of her remains for burial. Her father, Tanko Habila, had also filed an affidavit stating that the family did not suspect foul play and did not want an autopsy performed.
The family’s account of her medical history therefore comes without a publicly reported post-mortem examination. The family did not explain how the diagnosis of cardiac arrest was established.
Habila was buried on Friday, August 21, in her hometown of Nok, Jaba Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
In the tribute contained in her burial programme, the family described her as courageous and resilient despite the health challenges she faced.
“Though her life was 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 said.
Habila’s death had attracted significant public interest because of the circumstances surrounding her passing and her presence at the minister’s residence at the time.
Earlier reports indicated that she was found unresponsive and was subsequently taken to the David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital in Uburu, where she was pronounced dead.
The family’s disclosure has now provided its account of the medical circumstances surrounding Habila’s death, while questions previously raised over the circumstances of the incident remain part of the public record.
