‘That Was the Last Time I Saw Her Alive’ — Mary Habila’s Close Friend Reveals What Happened Before Nurse Was Found Dead

• Mary Habila’s close friend, Anita Baaki, has recounted the nurse’s final hours, revealing how she was found unconscious inside her locked room after failing to respond to calls the following morning.

• A close friend and colleague of the late Mary Habila has narrated the events leading to the nurse’s death in a sworn affidavit filed before the Ebonyi State High Court.

Anita Baaki, a physiotherapist attached to the David Umahi Federal University of Medical Sciences, said she travelled with Habila and other officials from Abuja to Ebonyi State on June 24, 2026, for an official assignment under the Minister of Works, David Umahi.

According to Baaki, they were accommodated in separate but adjoining rooms inside a staff chalet located within the minister’s country home in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area. She clarified that the chalet was reserved for ministry staff and associates and was not Umahi’s personal residence.

Baaki said she last saw Habila alive on the evening of June 26 after the nurse returned from getting her hair done. She recalled that Habila stopped by her room to show her new hairstyle before they chatted and joked briefly.

According to the affidavit, Habila later said she was tired and planned to take a shower before going to bed.

“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.

She said she became concerned the following morning after Habila failed to come out of her room as expected. Several phone calls went unanswered, prompting her to knock repeatedly on the door. When there was still no response and the room remained locked from the inside, she alerted a domestic staff member to help search the premises.

After confirming Habila was nowhere else within the compound, other staff members were informed and the door was forced open.

Baaki said Habila was found lying unconscious on the floor near the entrance of the room and was immediately rushed to the David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital, where doctors confirmed she was dead on arrival.

She maintained that her statement was made voluntarily and without any coercion to assist investigators in determining the circumstances surrounding Habila’s death.

Police investigations into the incident are ongoing, while lawyers representing the Minister of Works have requested a comprehensive forensic autopsy to determine the exact cause of death before the body is released for burial.