Friend Recounts Mary Habila’s Final Moments as Umahi Seeks Forensic Autopsy

1. The circumstances surrounding the death of Mary Habila, a nurse attached to the David Umahi Federal University of Medical Sciences (DUFUS) and on secondment to the Federal Ministry of Works, have come into sharper focus following a sworn statement by her colleague and close friend, Anita Baaki.

 

Baaki, a physiotherapist from Benue State, said she travelled with other staff members from Abuja to Ebonyi State on June 24, 2026, for official duties under the Minister of Works, David Umahi.

 

According to an affidavit filed before the Ebonyi State High Court, the staff members were lodged in separate but adjoining rooms in a staff chalet located within Umahi’s country home in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area. She clarified that the chalet was designated for staff members and associates and was not the minister’s personal residence.

 

Baaki said Habila visited her room on the evening of June 26 after having her hair done, and the two chatted briefly before Habila retired for the night.

 

“Mary told me she was tired and wanted to take a shower before sleeping. That was the last time I saw her alive,” she stated.

 

The following morning, Baaki became worried after Habila failed to come out as usual. Repeated phone calls went unanswered, prompting her to knock on Habila’s door.

 

After discovering the room was locked from the inside and receiving no response, 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.

 

Habila was found lying unconscious on the floor near the door and was immediately taken to the David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital, where doctors confirmed she was dead on arrival.

 

Baaki said her affidavit was made voluntarily and solely to assist official investigations into the incident.

 

Meanwhile, lawyers representing Minister David Umahi have formally requested the Ebonyi State Police Command to conduct a comprehensive forensic autopsy before Habila’s body is released for burial.

 

In a letter addressed to the Commissioner of Police, the legal team said the request was aimed at ensuring transparency, preserving evidence and establishing the exact cause of death.

 

The lawyers reiterated that Habila was staying in accommodation reserved for staff members and associates, adding that only Habila and Baaki occupied the chalet on the night of the incident.

 

They urged the police to engage qualified forensic pathologists and requested that the body not be released to her family until all forensic examinations and investigative procedures had been completed.

 

According to the legal team, a forensic examination would help eliminate speculation and ensure that any conclusions about Habila’s death are based on scientific findings.

 

Police investigations into the circumstances surrounding the death are ongoing, with the outcome of the forensic examination expected to play a key role in determining the cause of death.