The family of Mary Habila, the nurse who died at the residence of the Minister of Works, David Umahi, in Ebonyi State, has disclosed that she died from cardiac arrest after battling a heart condition.
The family made the disclosure in a tribute contained in the burial brochure of Habila, marking the first time it has publicly stated what it believes caused her death.
Habila, who was attached to Umahi, was brought dead to the David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital, Uburu, Ebonyi State, on June 27, 2026.
Her death, however, sparked controversy after details surrounding the circumstances emerged weeks later, with calls from members of the public for an autopsy to establish the cause of death.
The family opposed the post-mortem examination, leading to a prolonged dispute with the police.
According to the family’s tribute, Habila had earlier been diagnosed with a hole in her heart and had been battling heart-related health challenges.
“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 family stated.
It added that her condition eventually became critical despite medical treatment, prayers and support from relatives and loved ones.
“She sadly passed away following a cardiac arrest, leaving behind a deep void in the hearts of all who knew and loved her,” the family said.
The family, however, did not explain how it arrived at the conclusion that cardiac arrest was the immediate cause of death, particularly in the absence of an autopsy.
Habila was buried in her hometown, Nok, Jaba Local Government Area of Kaduna State, on Friday, August 21, weeks after the controversy over her death and the demand for a post-mortem examination.
Autopsy controversy
The controversy began after the circumstances surrounding Habila’s death at the minister’s residence became public.
The development generated widespread reactions, with some Nigerians demanding an independent investigation and calling for an autopsy to establish the actual cause of death.
Umahi had denied any involvement in Habila’s death and subsequently asked the police to conduct an autopsy.
The police insisted on the examination despite the family’s objection and the initial plan to bury Habila on July 17.
The disagreement resulted in the postponement of the burial.
The family later petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, demanding the release of Habila’s remains so that she could be buried.
The dispute also attracted legal action, with a civil society organisation, Kwechiri Unity Forum, filing a suit against Umahi, the IGP and others over the circumstances surrounding the nurse’s death.
With Habila now buried, the family’s disclosure of a pre-existing heart condition and cardiac arrest has provided its first public account of the cause of death.
However, without an autopsy, questions surrounding the medical basis for the conclusion remain unresolved.
The family’s position also comes amid continued public interest in the circumstances surrounding Habila’s death at the minister’s residence.
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