Details of the Final Hours Before Nurse's Death at Senator David Umahi's House

A sworn affidavit filed before the Ebonyi State High Court on Wednesday gives the clearest account yet of the final hours before nurse Mary Habila was found dead at the country home of Works Minister, David Umahi.

The affidavit comes from Anita Baaki, a physiotherapist from Benue State who worked closely with Habila and describes herself as a close friend and colleague.

Both women were attached to the David Umahi Federal University of Medical Sciences and had been seconded to the Federal Ministry of Works.

According to Baaki, she travelled with Habila and other ministry officials from Abuja to Ebonyi State on June 24, 2026, for an official assignment.

The group was housed in a staff chalet in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area, designated for ministry staff and associates, not the minister's personal residence, with the two women staying in separate but adjoining rooms.

Baaki said the last time she saw her friend alive was the evening of June 26.

Habila had just come from having her hair done and stopped by to show it off with the two chatting and joking for a while before Habila mentioned she was tired.

"Mary told me she was tired and wanted to take a shower before sleeping. That was the last time I saw her alive," Baaki said in the affidavit.

The next morning, Baaki grew concerned when Habila did not emerge from her room as expected, and repeated phone calls went unanswered.

She knocked on the door and got no response, and finding it locked from the inside, alerted a member of the domestic staff to help search the premises.

When Habila could not be found elsewhere in the compound, more staff were called in, and the door was forced open.

Habila was found unconscious on the floor near the entrance to her room.

She was rushed to the David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital, where doctors confirmed she had died on arrival.

Baaki said her statement to the court was made voluntarily, without pressure from any party, in order to assist investigators piecing together what happened.

Police say their investigation is ongoing.

Lawyers representing Minister Umahi have requested a comprehensive forensic autopsy to establish the exact cause of death before Habila's remains are released to her family for burial.