The family of Mary Habila, the nurse who died at the residence of Works Minister David Umahi in Ebonyi State, has said she died from cardiac arrest linked to a pre-existing heart condition.
Habila, who was assigned to provide nursing services to Mr Umahi, was brought dead to the David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital, Uburu, on 27 June, days before the circumstances surrounding her death became public and triggered calls for an autopsy.
She was buried in her hometown in Nok, Jaba Local Government Area of Kaduna State, on Friday, 21 August, weeks after a dispute between her family and the police over the proposed post-mortem examination.
In a tribute published in her burial brochure, the family said Habila had previously been diagnosed with a hole in her heart and had battled 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 said.
According to the family, her condition later 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 Habila died from cardiac arrest.
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There were also reports that the nurse was buried without an autopsy, although the report has not been independently verified.
Habila’s death at the minister’s residence on 27 June only became public in July, about two weeks after it occurred. The circumstances surrounding the death subsequently generated public concern and calls for an investigation.
Some Nigerians also called for Mr Umahi’s resignation over the controversy. The minister has repeatedly denied any involvement in Habila’s death.
Following growing demands for an autopsy to establish the cause of death, Mr Umahi asked the police to conduct a post-mortem examination.
The family opposed the autopsy and initially scheduled Habila’s burial for 17 July. The police, however, insisted on proceeding with the examination.
Mr Umahi subsequently appealed to the family to reconsider its position, arguing that the post-mortem examination would help establish the actual cause of death amid allegations of possible foul play.
The family later wrote to the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, demanding the immediate release of Habila’s remains for burial. The burial was subsequently postponed amid the controversy.
The family’s disclosure of her reported heart condition and cardiac arrest is its first public explanation of the cause of her death since the controversy began.
Premium Times
