By Abigail David
A close friend and colleague of Mary Habila, the nurse who died in Ebonyi State, has provided investigators with an account of the events leading up to her death.
In a sworn affidavit filed before the Ebonyi State High Court on Wednesday, Anita Baaki, a physiotherapist, said 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.
Baaki stated that they were accommodated in separate but adjoining rooms in a staff chalet within the country home of the Minister of Works, David Umahi, in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area. She clarified that the chalet was designated for ministry staff and associates.
According to the affidavit, Baaki last saw Habila on the evening of June 26 after she returned from a hair appointment. She said they spoke briefly before Habila said she intended to take a shower and retire for the night.
Baaki said she became concerned the following morning when Habila did not respond to repeated phone calls or knocks on her door. After staff were alerted and the room was forced open, Habila was found unconscious and taken to the David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
Baaki said her statement was made voluntarily to assist investigators. Police investigations are ongoing, while lawyers representing the minister have requested a forensic autopsy to determine the cause of death before the body is released for burial.
