Friend Recounts Mary Habila's Final Hours Before Death as Police Await Forensic Autopsy Report

Friend Recounts Mary Habila's Final Hours Before Death as Police Await Forensic Autopsy Report

Fresh details have emerged about the final hours of Mary Habila, the nurse attached to the David Umahi Federal University of Medical Sciences and on secondment to the Federal Ministry of Works, following a sworn affidavit filed before the Ebonyi State High Court.

The affidavit, submitted by her close friend and colleague Anita Baaki, provides investigators with a detailed account of Habila's last known moments before her tragic death. While the circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation, authorities say a comprehensive forensic autopsy will determine the exact cause of death.

Mary Habila's Last Known Hours

According to Baaki, a physiotherapist from Benue State, she travelled with Habila and other officials of the Federal Ministry of Works from Abuja to Ebonyi State on June 24, 2026, for an official assignment under the supervision of the Minister of Works, David Umahi.

She explained that ministry officials were accommodated in separate but adjoining rooms inside a staff chalet located within the minister's country home in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State. Baaki clarified that the chalet serves as official accommodation for ministry personnel and associates and is not the minister's personal residence.

"She Said She Wanted to Take a Shower"

Baaki recalled that she last saw Mary Habila alive on the evening of June 26, shortly after Habila returned from having her hair done.

According to her affidavit, Habila stopped by her room to show off her new hairstyle. The two colleagues chatted, laughed and exchanged jokes before Habila excused herself.

«"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.»

The Following Morning

Baaki said she became concerned the next morning when Habila did not leave her room as expected.

Repeated phone calls went unanswered, and after knocking several times without receiving any response, she alerted a domestic staff member to help search the premises.

When Habila could not be found elsewhere, other staff members were informed and the room was forced open.

According to Baaki, Habila was discovered lying unconscious on the floor near the entrance of her room.

She was immediately rushed to the David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital, where doctors confirmed that she was dead on arrival.

Investigation Still Ongoing

Baaki stated that her affidavit was made voluntarily to assist investigators in establishing the facts surrounding Habila's death.

Meanwhile, police investigations remain ongoing, while lawyers representing the Minister of Works have requested a comprehensive forensic autopsy to determine the exact cause of death before Habila's remains are released for burial.

Until the autopsy findings are made public, authorities have urged the public to avoid speculation and allow investigators to complete their work.

Conclusion

Mary Habila's death has continued to attract nationwide attention, with many Nigerians demanding a transparent, thorough and impartial investigation. The results of the forensic autopsy are expected to provide critical answers about what happened during her final hours.

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