Mary Habila died of cardiac arrest after living with hole in her heart – Family confirms

The family of the late Mary Habila, popularly known as Mara, has revealed that the deceased lived with a heart condition caused by a hole in her heart before her death in June 2026.

Mary was buried in her hometown of Nok, Jaba Local Government Area of Kaduna State, on Friday, August 21, 2026, following months of controversy surrounding the circumstances of her death.

Her family released a brief biography highlighting the life of the young woman, including her childhood, education, career and the health challenges she lived with before her death.

According to the brief biography, Mary Habila’s condition became critical despite medical care and the support of her loved ones, before she eventually died following a cardiac arrest.

“Mary Habila lived with a heart condition, having been diagnosed with a hole in her heart, the family stated.

“Despite medical care and the prayers and support of her family and loved ones, her condition became critical. She sadly passed away following a cardiac arrest, leaving behind a deep void in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.”

According to the family, Habila was born on September 18, 2000, and was from Nok in Jaba Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

They described her as a “very sincere, respectful, obedient, loving and jovial person,” saying she was deeply loved by her parents, members of her church and those around her.

She was trained and raised in the Deeper Life Bible Church, where her father is also a pastor. As a child, she was actively involved in the church’s children’s choir and later participated in the youth church.

Professionally, Habila worked as a Community Health Extension Worker at Favoured Ground Clinic in Buka Sidi, Lafia, Nasarawa State, before moving to Cherry Hills Pharmacy and Stores in Gwarinpa, Abuja.

The family said she later worked as a personal nurse to the Minister of Works, David Umahi, after meeting him through her work in Abuja.

Habila died on June 27, 2026, at the age of 25.

Her death attracted widespread attention after she was found unresponsive at the residence of the Minister, Umahi, in Uburu, Ebonyi State. The circumstances surrounding her death subsequently became the subject of public discussion and investigation.

The Ebonyi State Police Command confirmed at the time that it received a distress call concerning a medical emergency involving Habila and that she was taken to the David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital, where she was confirmed dead.

Authorities had also called for further investigation into the circumstances of her death. Subsequently, the public and the Works Minister requested an autopsy, which the family at the time objected to.

However, a source later confirmed that her body would later be released to the family for the just-concluded burial.

However, contrary to earlier assumptions of foul play and the controversy surrounding her death, in the family’s account, her longstanding heart condition and the resulting cardiac arrest were identified as the cause of her death.

“Though her life was short, Mary will always be remembered for her strength in the face of adversity, the love she shared, and the lasting impact she made on everyone blessed to know her,” the family said.