Fresh details have emerged about the final hours of Mary Habila, the 26-year-old nurse whose death at a staff chalet within the country home of the Minister of Works, David Umahi, has triggered nationwide attention and an ongoing police investigation.
A sworn statement by Anita Baaki, a physiotherapist and colleague of the deceased, provides the clearest account yet of the events leading up to Habila’s death, while the Ebonyi State Police Command says an autopsy remains crucial to determining the exact cause of death.
According to Baaki’s affidavit filed before the Ebonyi State High Court, she and Habila travelled from Abuja to Ebonyi on June 24 as part of a medical team attached to the Federal Ministry of Works. She explained that members of the team were accommodated in separate but adjoining rooms inside a staff chalet located within the minister’s compound in Uburu, stressing that the building served as staff accommodation rather than the minister’s personal residence.
Baaki recalled that on the evening of June 26, Habila returned after having her hair done and visited her room to chat before retiring 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 said she became worried after repeated calls to Habila went unanswered. After knocking on her colleague’s locked room without receiving any response, she alerted other staff members. The door was eventually forced open, and Habila was found unconscious near the entrance. She was rushed to the David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital, where doctors confirmed she was dead on arrival.
As investigations continue, lawyers representing Minister David Umahi have formally requested the Ebonyi State Police Command to conduct a comprehensive forensic autopsy before releasing the body to Habila’s family. The legal team said the examination would help establish the true cause of death, preserve evidence and ensure public confidence in the investigation. They also reiterated that the deceased was staying in accommodation designated for ministry staff and associates, not inside the minister’s personal residence.
The Ebonyi State Police Command confirmed it has transferred the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) and has already visited the scene, obtained statements from witnesses and commenced a full investigation. Police spokesperson SP Joshua Ukandu said detectives are preparing for a post-mortem examination, describing it as essential to uncovering the circumstances surrounding the death.
However, the police disclosed that Habila’s family has so far declined its request for an autopsy, preferring that the examination should not be carried out. Despite the family’s position, the command insists the forensic procedure is necessary given the public interest surrounding the case and says it is awaiting the attendance of the family or their authorised representative before proceeding.
The death of Mary Habila has continued to generate widespread public concern, prompting calls from civil society groups, opposition parties and other stakeholders for a transparent, independent and professional investigation. Minister David Umahi has denied any wrongdoing and has repeatedly expressed support for a forensic examination to establish the facts.
