Mary Habila Death: Colleague Reveals Final Moments as Umahi Seeks Forensic Autopsy Before Burial

Fresh details have emerged about the mysterious death of Mary Habila, a nurse attached to the David Umahi Federal University of Medical Sciences (DUFUS) and seconded to the Federal Ministry of Works, as investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding her passing.

A sworn affidavit filed before the Ebonyi State High Court by Habila’s colleague and close friend, Anita Baaki, has provided a detailed account of the hours leading up to her death. Baaki, a physiotherapist from Benue State, said both women travelled from Abuja to Ebonyi on June 24, 2026, alongside other ministry staff for official assignments under the Minister of Works, David Umahi.

According to the affidavit, the staff members were lodged in separate but adjoining rooms inside a staff chalet located within Umahi’s country home in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area. Baaki stressed that the building served as accommodation for staff and associates and was not the minister’s personal residence.

She recalled that on the evening of June 26, Habila returned after getting her hair done and briefly visited her room to show off her new hairstyle. The pair chatted casually 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 her affidavit.

Baaki said alarm bells rang the following morning when Habila failed to leave her room as usual. After repeated phone calls went unanswered, she knocked on the door but received no response. A domestic staff member searched the premises, and when Habila could not be located elsewhere, other staff members forced the room open.

The affidavit stated that Habila was found lying unconscious near the door. She was immediately rushed to the David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital, where doctors confirmed she was dead on arrival. Baaki said her statement was made voluntarily and solely to assist official investigations.

Meanwhile, lawyers representing David Umahi have formally asked the Ebonyi State Police Command to conduct a comprehensive forensic autopsy before releasing Habila’s body to her family for burial. The legal team said the request was aimed at ensuring transparency, preserving evidence and establishing the exact cause of death through scientific examination.

The lawyers also urged investigators not to release the remains to Habila’s next of kin until the autopsy and all investigative procedures are completed. Police say investigations into the circumstances surrounding the nurse’s death are ongoing, with the forensic examination expected to play a key role in determining what happened.