Recent information has surfaced regarding the final statements of Mary Habila, a physiotherapist assigned to the David Umahi Federal University of Medical Sciences and temporarily attached to the Federal Ministry of Works, after her passing in Ebonyi State.
This account comes from Anita Baaki, a close friend and coworker of Habila, who submitted a sworn affidavit to the Ebonyi State High Court while the investigation proceeds.
Colleague Confirms They Journeyed Together on Official Duty
Baaki, a physiotherapist from Benue State, explained that she accompanied Habila and other Federal Ministry of Works officials from Abuja to Ebonyi State on June 24, 2026, carrying out an assignment for Minister of Works David Umahi.
She noted that the group was lodged in separate but adjacent rooms within a staff chalet situated on the minister’s country estate in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area.
Baaki emphasized that the chalet was designated for ministry personnel and associates, not for the minister’s private use.
Friend Recalls Last Conversation with Habila
Baaki said she last saw Habila alive on the evening of June 26, after the nurse returned from having her hair styled.
Habila stopped by Baaki’s room to display her new hairstyle, and they spent some time chatting and joking.
Recalling their final exchange, Baaki quoted: ‘Mary told me she was tired and wanted to take a shower before sleeping. That was the last time I saw her alive.’
How Habila Was Discovered
Baaki explained that she grew concerned the next morning when Habila failed to emerge from her room as usual.
After several unanswered phone calls, she knocked on the door. Receiving no reply and finding the door locked from inside, she notified a domestic worker to assist in searching the premises.
When Habila could not be found elsewhere, other staff members were alerted and the door was eventually forced open.
According to the affidavit, Habila was discovered unconscious on the floor near the room’s entrance.
She was swiftly taken to the David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital, where physicians pronounced her dead on arrival.
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