Posted by Chinenye on Wed 26th Aug, 2026 - tori.ng
The family of nurse Mary Habila has spoken publicly about her health struggles, months after her death at the residence of Works Minister David Umahi sparked widespread controversy.
(Mary Habila. Photo Credit: Premuim Times)
The family of Mary Habila, a nurse who d+ed at the residence of Works Minister David Umahi in Ebonyi State, has revealed she had a pre-existing heart condition.
They said she was diagnosed with a hole in her heart and battled heart-related challenges before d+ing from cardiac arrest.
Habila was brought to a teaching hospital d+ad on June 27 but the death only became public weeks later in July, triggering outrage.
Many Nigerians called for Umahi's resignation, though the minister has repeatedly denied involvement in her d+ath.
Following public pressure for an autopsy to determine what happened, Umahi asked police to conduct one.
But Habila's family opposed the examination and demanded release of her body for burial.
The dispute delayed the burial for weeks.
Police initially insisted on going ahead with the autopsy before the family ultimately prevailed, and she was buried without one in Kaduna State on August 21.
The family's tribute in the burial programme said Habila faced significant health challenges but carried herself with courage and resilience.
It stated her condition became critical despite medical care, prayers and family support, and that she d+ed following cardiac arrest.
The family did not explain how they determined the cause of d+ath without an autopsy.
Umahi had appealed to them to allow the post mortem, saying it would help establish what actually happened amid allegations of foul play.
A civil society group has since filed a lawsuit against Umahi and the Inspector-General of Police over the d+ath.