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

Habila, who was buried in her hometown of Nok, Jaba Local Government Area of Kaduna State, on Friday, August 21, was at the centre of public attention following controversy over the circumstances surrounding her death.

After the burial, her family released a brief biography detailing her childhood, education, career and health challenges, providing an account of the young woman they knew and loved.

According to the family, Habila’s heart condition became critical despite medical care, prayers and the support of her loved ones, eventually resulting in cardiac arrest.

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

“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.”

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

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

She was raised in the Deeper Life Bible Church, where her father is a pastor. As a child, she was actively involved in the church’s children’s choir before later participating 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 Gwarin-Pa, Abuja.

The family said she later became a personal nurse to the Minister of Works, David Umahi, whom she met through her work in Abuja.

Habila died on June 27, 2026, aged 25.

Her death attracted widespread attention after she was found unresponsive at the residence of the Minister of Works in Uburu, Ebonyi State.

The circumstances surrounding her death subsequently generated public debate and prompted an investigation.

The Ebonyi State Police Command had confirmed receiving a distress call concerning a medical emergency involving Habila and said she was taken to the David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

Authorities subsequently called for further investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death.

Members of the public and the Works Minister also requested an autopsy, although the family initially objected to the procedure.

A source later confirmed that her body would be released to the family for burial after the autopsy was completed.

In its posthumous account, however, the family attributed Habila’s death to her longstanding heart condition and the resulting cardiac arrest.

“Though her life was cut 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.

“May her gentle soul rest in perfect peace.” (The Nation, excluding headline)