A colleague of Mary Habila, the 26-year-old health worker who was found dead at a staff chalet in Uburu, Ebonyi State, has provided details of her final hours as investigations into the circumstances surrounding her death continue.
Anita Baaki, a physiotherapist and close friend of the deceased, gave the account in a sworn affidavit submitted before the Ebonyi State High Court, where she narrated the events leading up to Habila’s death at the country home of the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi.
The police and relevant authorities have continued investigations into the incident, while calls have intensified for a forensic autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.
According to Baaki’s affidavit, she and Habila travelled from Abuja to Ebonyi State on June 24, 2026, alongside other officials on an official assignment linked to the Federal Ministry of Works.
The group was accommodated at a staff chalet located within the minister’s country residence in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area. Baaki clarified that the facility was meant for government workers and was separate from the minister’s private living quarters.
She said her last interaction with Habila occurred on the evening of Friday, June 26, after the deceased returned from having her hair done.
Baaki said Habila visited her room briefly, showed her the new hairstyle, and they spent some time chatting before she returned to her room.
“Mary stopped by my room to show off her new hairstyle. We chatted and joked for a while. She 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 the affidavit.
Baaki said concern grew the following morning when Habila failed to leave her room or respond to calls.
She explained that repeated attempts to reach the deceased by phone were unsuccessful. After knocking on the door several times without receiving a response, she discovered that the door was locked from inside.
With assistance from domestic workers and ministry staff, the door was forced open, where they found Habila unconscious on the floor near the entrance of the room.
She was immediately taken to the David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital (DUFUTH), where medical personnel confirmed that she was brought in dead.
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The death has generated public interest and speculation, prompting Senator David Umahi to reject claims that authorities attempted to conceal information about the incident.
The minister said the family of the deceased, security agencies and medical professionals were involved from the beginning, insisting that there was no attempt to hide details surrounding the tragedy.
Umahi said he had requested a comprehensive forensic autopsy to establish the true cause of death and address concerns raised by members of the public.
He maintained that only a scientific examination could provide clarity and prevent misinformation surrounding the incident.
The Ebonyi State Police Command has confirmed that it is investigating the matter.
Police spokespersons said detectives have visited the scene, obtained statements from relevant individuals and are working with other stakeholders to complete the investigation process.
Baaki, in her affidavit, stated that she provided her account voluntarily and without coercion to assist authorities in uncovering the circumstances surrounding Habila’s death.
The outcome of the planned autopsy is expected to play a key role in determining the next steps in the investigation.
