Ada Jesus

EARLY LIFE

Mercy Mmesoma Obi (later Nnadi) was born on 19 April 1998 in Orlu, Imo State, Nigeria. She was the third child in her family. She completed her education at Imo State University. After graduation she worked briefly as a housekeeper for a retired pilot while also modelling and attending auditions for movies and TV serials.

CAREER

Ada Jesus started modelling and attending auditions for movies and TV serials after she graduated from the university. She also worked as a housekeeper for a retired pilot, before starting her career as a stand-up comedian where she performed at events and shows. Ada Jesus became popular when she started posting comedy skits in Igbo language on Instagram and Facebook in 2018. She also pursued acting, appearing in Nollywood productions, and worked as a model. In November 2020 she released a music single titled “Ada & Emma Mbe in Love” with comedian Emma Mbe. She collaborated with other comedians such as Sir One and Kinemaster.

PERSONAL LIFE

Ada Jesus married Kingsley Nnadi on 5 April 2019 and gave birth to a daughter on 6 December 2019. In December 2020, Ada Jesus was diagnosed with kidney disease which left her paralysed and using a wheelchair, causing her body to swell, especially her face and stomach. She died on 21 April 2021, at approximately 7:15 am, after suffering a cardiac arrest.

In December 2020 she was diagnosed with kidney disease. The condition left her paralysed, reliant on a wheelchair, and caused significant swelling (especially of the face and stomach). She was treated at New Hope Hospital in Onitsha, Anambra State, before being moved (with assistance from activist Harrison Gwamnishu) to Zenith Medical & Kidney Centre in Abuja in mid-April 2021, where her condition initially improved. Around this period she publicly sought forgiveness from Prophet Chukwuemeka Ohanemere (Odumeje), actress Rita Edochie, and others after earlier accusations of staged miracles and related claims. After initial refusals and public exchanges, Odumeje and Rita Edochie eventually forgave her; Odumeje donated ₦1 million toward her treatment (which her mother rejected, stating they needed forgiveness rather than money). She celebrated her 23rd birthday on 19 April 2021 while in hospital. On the night of 20 April she suffered a cardiac arrest, was moved to intensive care, and died the following morning on 21 April 2021. Her death, two days after her birthday, prompted widespread tributes and discussion about healthcare challenges in Nigeria.