How Mary Habila spent her final hours — Friend

A close friend and colleague of the late nurse, Mary Habila, has recounted the events leading to her death, revealing that the 26-year-old appeared cheerful and retired to bed shortly before she was found unconscious the following morning.

The account is contained in a sworn affidavit filed before the Ebonyi State High Court by Anita Baaki, a physiotherapist and colleague of Habila at the Federal Ministry of Works.

Baaki said she travelled with Habila and other ministry officials from Abuja to Ebonyi State on June 24, 2026, for an official assignment under the Minister of Works, David Umahi.

She explained that they were accommodated in separate but adjoining rooms in a staff chalet within the minister’s country home in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area, stressing that the facility served as accommodation for ministry staff and associates, not the minister’s personal residence.

According to Baaki, she last saw Habila alive on the evening of June 26 after the nurse returned from having her hair done.

She said Habila visited her room to show off her new hairstyle, and the two chatted briefly before Habila said she was tired and wanted 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 concern arose the following morning when Habila failed to leave her room as expected and did not answer repeated phone calls.

After knocking on the door without any response, Baaki alerted a domestic staff member to search the premises. When Habila could not be found elsewhere, other staff members forced the room open.

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

She said her affidavit was made voluntarily to assist investigators in establishing the circumstances surrounding Habila’s death.

The Ebonyi State Police Command said 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 Habila’s body is released to her family for burial.