Fresh details have emerged about the final moments of Mary Habila, the physiotherapist attached to the David Umahi Federal University of Medical Sciences and on secondment to the Federal Ministry of Works, following her death in Ebonyi State.
According to a sworn affidavit filed before the Ebonyi State High Court by her close friend and colleague, Anita Baaki, the two travelled from Abuja to Ebonyi 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, Dave Umahi. Baaki stated that members of the delegation were accommodated in separate but adjoining rooms at a staff chalet within the minister’s country home in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area. She clarified that the facility was designated for ministry staff and associates and was not the minister’s personal residence.
Baaki recalled that she last saw Habila alive on the evening of June 26 after she returned from having her hair done. According to her, Habila visited her room to show off her new hairstyle, and the two spent some time chatting and joking before retiring for the night.
Recalling their final conversation, Baaki said, “Mary told me she was tired and wanted to take a shower before sleeping. That was the last time I saw her alive.”
The following morning, Baaki became concerned when Habila failed to come out of her room as expected. After several phone calls went unanswered, she knocked on the door but received no response. She then alerted a domestic staff member to help search the premises. When Habila could not be found elsewhere and the room remained locked from the inside, other staff members were informed, and the door was eventually forced open.
According to the affidavit, Habila was found lying unconscious on the floor near the entrance of the room. She was immediately rushed to the David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital, where doctors confirmed that she was dead on arrival.
The affidavit forms part of the ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding Habila’s death, a case that has continued to attract widespread public attention and calls for a thorough and transparent investigation.