Fresh details have emerged surrounding the death of Mary Habila, a nurse attached to the David Umahi Federal University of Medical Sciences and seconded to the Federal Ministry of Works.
Anita Baaki, a physiotherapist and colleague of the deceased, has provided investigators with an account of Habila’s final hours in a sworn affidavit submitted before the Ebonyi State High Court.
Her statement forms part of the ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the nurse’s death.
Officials travelled to Ebonyi for official assignment
According to Baaki, she and Habila travelled from Abuja to Ebonyi State on June 24, 2026, alongside other officials of the Federal Ministry of Works for an official assignment under the supervision of the Minister of Works, David Umahi.
She stated that members of the delegation were accommodated in separate but adjoining rooms inside a staff chalet located within the minister’s country home in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area.
Baaki clarified that the chalet served as accommodation for ministry staff and associates and was not the minister’s private residence.
Last conversation before tragedy
In the affidavit, Baaki said she last saw Habila alive on the evening of June 26 after the nurse returned from having her hair styled.
According to her, Habila briefly visited her room to show off her new hairstyle before the two colleagues spent some time talking and joking together.
She recalled that Habila later mentioned she was tired and planned to take a shower before going to bed.
That conversation, Baaki said, was the last interaction she had with her colleague.
Concern raised after Habila failed to respond
Baaki explained that concern grew the following morning when Habila failed to leave her room as expected.
Repeated telephone calls reportedly went unanswered, prompting her to knock on the door.
When there was still no response and the room remained locked from the inside, she alerted domestic staff to help locate Habila elsewhere on the premises.
After the search proved unsuccessful, staff members forced the room open.
Nurse found unconscious
According to Baaki, Habila was discovered lying unconscious near the entrance of her room.
She was rushed to the David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital, where medical personnel confirmed that she was dead on arrival.
Baaki stated that she voluntarily gave her account to assist investigators in establishing the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Investigation continues
Police authorities are continuing investigations into the case.
Meanwhile, legal representatives of the Minister of Works have requested that a comprehensive forensic autopsy be conducted to determine the exact cause of Habila’s death before her remains are released to her family for burial.