Friend Breaks Silence on Nurse’s Death at Umahi’s Residence

Anita Baaki, a close friend and colleague of Mary Habila, the nurse who died at the residence of David Umahi, the minister of works, has provided a sworn statement detailing the events leading up to her death.

Habila, an employee of the David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital in Ebonyi, died on June 27 while attached to the minister’s medical team.

Baaki, a physiotherapist from Benue state, filed an affidavit before the Ebonyi state high court on Wednesday, recounting the final hours she spent with the deceased.

According to the document, Baaki, the nurse who was also attached to the David Umahi Federal University of Medical Sciences, travelled with Habila and other ministry staff from Abuja to Ebonyi on June 24, 2026, for official assignments.

The group was accommodated in separate but adjoining rooms at a staff chalet located within Umahi’s country home in Uburu, Ohaozara LGA.

Baaki clarified that the building is designated for ministry staff and associates and is not the minister’s personal residence.

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

Habila reportedly visited Baaki’s room and complained of exhaustion.

“Mary told me she was tired and wanted to take a shower before sleeping. That was the last time I saw her alive,” the affidavit read.

Baaki said she became concerned the following morning when Habila did not come out of her room as expected.

She disclosed that after several unanswered phone calls and repeated knocks on the door, she alerted a domestic staff member to help search the premises.

When Habila could not be located elsewhere, other ministry staff members were informed and the room was forced open.

Baaki said Habila was discovered unconscious near the door. She said her friend was immediately rushed to the David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital, where doctors pronounced her dead on arrival.

Baaki affirmed in the affidavit that her statement was given voluntarily and without coercion to assist with official and investigative procedures surrounding the death.

On Thursday, the Ebonyi police command said it would proceed with an autopsy despite opposition from members of the deceased’s family.

The decision came following a formal request from Umahi.