The family of Mary Habila, the 25-year-old nurse who died at the residence of Works Minister David Umahi in Ebonyi State, has said she suffered from a heart condition and died following a cardiac arrest.
Habila was buried on Friday in her hometown of Nok, Jaba Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
According to a brief biography contained in her burial programme, the deceased had been diagnosed with a hole in her heart and had lived with the condition before her death.
The family said her health condition 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. Though she faced significant health challenges, she carried herself with courage, faith, and quiet resilience,” the biography stated.
The family added that Habila remained hopeful despite her health challenges and continued to positively impact the lives of people around her.
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,” it added.
The family described Habila as a kind and resilient young woman whose life was cut short, saying she would be remembered for her strength, love and impact on those around her.
Habila died on June 27 at Umahi’s residence in Umunaga, Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
At the time of her death, she was reportedly attached to the minister’s medical team.
Her death generated widespread public interest and calls for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Following the incident, Umahi wrote to the Ebonyi State Police Command requesting an autopsy to determine the cause and circumstances of Habila’s death.
The minister also requested that the police withhold her remains from the family until the post-mortem examination was completed.
However, Habila’s family opposed the request, insisting that they did not want an autopsy conducted on the deceased.
Despite the family’s position, the Ebonyi State Police Command subsequently announced that it would proceed with an autopsy to establish the cause of death.
The controversy surrounding Habila’s death also resulted in legal action.
In July, the Incorporated Trustees of the Southern Kaduna Peoples’ United Associations, SOKAPU, filed a N20 billion lawsuit against Umahi over the death of the nurse.
The group alleged that the minister breached his duty of care while Habila was in his custody.
The latest account from Habila’s family provides a new explanation of her medical condition, with relatives saying the 25-year-old had lived with a heart condition and ultimately died from cardiac arrest.
