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, whose death in Ebonyi State remains under investigation.
The latest account was contained in a sworn affidavit filed before the Ebonyi State High Court by her close friend and colleague, Anita Baaki, as authorities continue investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.
According to Baaki, 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 members of the delegation were accommodated in separate but adjoining rooms inside a staff chalet located within the minister’s country home in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area.
Baaki clarified that the chalet was designated for ministry personnel and associates and was not the minister’s personal residence.
Recounting their final interaction, Baaki said she last saw Habila alive on the evening of June 26, shortly after she returned from getting her hair done.
According to her, Habila stopped by her room to show off her new hairstyle before they spent time chatting and laughing together.
She said their conversation ended when Habila decided to retire 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,” Baaki stated in the affidavit.
The following morning, Baaki became worried after Habila failed to come out of her room as expected.
She said repeated phone calls went unanswered, prompting her to knock on the door. When there was still no response and the room remained locked from the inside, she alerted a domestic staff member to assist in searching the premises.
After confirming that Habila was nowhere else on the property, other staff members were informed and the room was eventually forced open.
According to the affidavit, Habila was found 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.
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