The family of Mary Habila has disclosed that the young nurse died after a congenital heart condition became critical, bringing a new development to a case that has attracted intense public attention since her death at the residence of Works Minister David Umahi.
According to the family, Habila had been diagnosed with a hole in her heart and eventually suffered cardiac arrest despite receiving medical care, prayers and support from loved ones.
What the Family Says Happened
Habila died on June 27 at Umahi’s residence in Uburu, Ebonyi State, where she worked as part of the minister’s medical team. She was reportedly found unresponsive and was taken to David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
The family’s account was contained in a biography included in her burial programme. It described her as someone who had lived with significant health challenges but remained strong and committed to her career and faith.
The disclosure is important because the circumstances surrounding her death had previously created widespread speculation.
Why Mary Habila’s Death Became Controversial
Mary Habila’s death became a major public issue because she died at the home of a senior government official and questions were raised about what happened during her final hours.
There were also reports that she had blood around her nose and mouth when she was found. Those details led to calls for an independent examination of her body.
Umahi had supported calls for an autopsy, while Habila’s family initially opposed the procedure. The police later confirmed that a post-mortem examination had been conducted and that its report was ready, although the findings have not been made public.
This means the family’s explanation and the official forensic findings are two separate pieces of information. The family’s statement identifies cardiac arrest linked to her congenital condition as the cause of death, while the police autopsy report could provide further medical details.
What Happens Next?
The biggest question now is whether the Mary Habila autopsy findings will be released publicly and whether they support the family’s account.
The development could help settle some of the speculation surrounding the case, but it may not immediately end public debate. A Southern Kaduna group had also filed a lawsuit against Umahi over the circumstances of Habila’s death, adding a legal dimension to the controversy.
For now, the focus is shifting from social media speculation to the evidence available from the family, police investigation and medical examination.
