Fresh details have emerged about the death of Mary Habila, a nurse with the David Umahi Federal University of Medical Sciences (DUFUS) who was on secondment to the Federal Ministry of Works, following a sworn statement by her colleague and close friend, Anita Baaki.
Baaki, a physiotherapist from Benue State, said she was among ministry staff who travelled from Abuja to Ebonyi State on June 24 for official assignments under the Minister of Works, David Umahi.
In an affidavit filed before the Ebonyi State High Court, she explained that the team was accommodated in separate but adjoining rooms within a staff chalet located at the minister’s country home in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area. She noted that the building served as accommodation for staff members and associates and was not the minister’s personal residence.
According to Baaki, Habila returned to the chalet on the evening of June 26 after having her hair done and briefly visited her room to show off the new hairstyle. The two exchanged jokes before Habila said she was exhausted and planned to take a shower before going to bed.
“Mary told me she was tired and wanted to take a shower before sleeping. That was the last time I saw her alive,” Baaki stated in the affidavit.
She said concern arose the following morning when Habila did not come out of her room as expected. After several unanswered phone calls, Baaki knocked on her door but received no response. Discovering that the room was locked from the inside, she alerted a domestic staff member to search the premises.
When Habila could not be located elsewhere, other staff members were informed, and the door was forced open. She was found lying unconscious on the floor near the entrance to her room.
Habila was rushed to the David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital, where medical personnel confirmed she was dead on arrival.
Baaki stated that her affidavit was made voluntarily, without pressure or coercion, and was intended solely to assist official investigations into the incident.
Umahi seeks forensic investigation
Meanwhile, lawyers representing Minister David Umahi have asked the Ebonyi State Police Command to carry out a comprehensive forensic autopsy before Habila’s body is released for burial.
In a letter addressed to the Commissioner of Police, the minister’s legal team said the request was aimed at ensuring transparency, preserving the integrity of the investigation, and establishing the exact cause of Habila’s death.
The lawyers also clarified that Habila was staying in accommodation designated for ministry staff and associates, rather than in the minister’s private residence. They added that, on the night of the incident, only Habila and Anita Baaki were lodged in the building.
They urged the police to engage qualified forensic pathologists to determine the precise cause and circumstances surrounding Habila’s death.
