Mary Habila's Family Shares Cause of Death After Controversy

The family of Mary Habila, a nurse who died at the home of David Umahi, the Minister of Works in Ebonyi State, has finally shared what they believe caused her death.

Earlier reports said that Ms Habila, who worked closely with Mr Umahi, was brought dead to the David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital in Uburu, Ebonyi State on June 27.

Her burial took place in her hometown of Nok, Jaba Local Government Area in Kaduna State on August 21.

Cause of death

Before this, many Nigerians thought that Ms Habila’s death seemed suspicious due to the circumstances surrounding it.

This led to calls for an autopsy, but her family refused. Because of this, it was hard to find out the real cause of her death.

In their first public statement, the family said in a tribute in her burial brochure that Ms Habila had been diagnosed with a hole in her heart and struggled with heart problems.

“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 said in the tribute seen by PREMIUM TIMES.

They added that her “condition became critical” even with medical help, prayers, and support from family and friends.

“She sadly passed away following a cardiac arrest, leaving behind a deep void in the hearts of all who knew and loved her,” they said.

The family did not explain how they concluded that Ms Habila died from cardiac arrest.

Some reports claim that she was buried without an autopsy, but PREMIUM TIMES could not confirm this.

Autopsy dispute and controversial death at Umahi’s residence

Ms Habila’s burial happened weeks after a disagreement over an autopsy and public outcry about her death at Mr Umahi’s home.

Her passing on June 27 did not become public until about two weeks later in July, raising many concerns.

Many Nigerians called for Mr Umahi to resign due to the controversy. The minister has denied any involvement in the nurse's death.

After many Nigerians demanded an autopsy to find out the cause of death, Mr Umahi asked the police to perform it.

The family was against the autopsy and initially set the burial date for July 17, but the police insisted on proceeding with the autopsy.

The minister appealed to Ms Habila’s family to reconsider their refusal for the autopsy, saying it would help clarify the cause of her death amid rising accusations of foul play.

Later, the family wrote to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, asking for Ms Habila’s body to be released for burial.

They then delayed the burial due to the ongoing dispute.

Recently, a civil society group, the Kwechiri Unity Forum, filed a lawsuit against Mr Umahi and the IGP over Ms Habila’s death.