•As minister seeks forensic findings
Fresh details have emerged over the controversial death of Mary Habila, a medical professional attached to the David Umahi Federal University of Medical Sciences (DUFUS) and on secondment to the Federal Ministry of Works, with new witness testimony appearing to dispel speculations linking Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, directly to the circumstances surrounding her death.
The latest revelation came through a sworn affidavit deposed to before the Ebonyi State High Court by Anita Baaki, Habila’s colleague and close friend, who was reportedly the last person to see her alive.
Baaki, a physiotherapist from Benue State, stated that she and Habila travelled from Abuja to Ebonyi State on June 24, 2026, alongside other officials of the Federal Ministry of Works on official assignment under the supervision of the Minister.
According to the affidavit, members of the delegation were accommodated in separate but adjoining rooms within a staff chalet situated inside Senator Umahi’s country home in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
She clarified that the facility serves as accommodation for staff members and associates and is separate from the minister’s personal residence.
Mary Habila’s final moments
Narrating the events preceding Habila’s death, Baaki disclosed that on the evening of June 26, the deceased returned after having her hair done and stopped by her room to show off her new hairstyle.
The two colleagues reportedly spent some time chatting and joking before Habila excused herself.
“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 in the affidavit.
She explained that the following morning, she became worried after Habila failed to emerge from her room as was customary. Several telephone calls to her colleague went unanswered, prompting her to knock repeatedly on the door.
Finding the room locked from the inside with no response, Baaki alerted a domestic staff member to search the premises. When Habila could not be located elsewhere, other staff members were informed, and the door was eventually forced open.
Habila was found lying unconscious on the floor near the entrance to her room.
She was immediately rushed to the David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital, where doctors confirmed that she was dead on arrival.
Baaki maintained that her statement was made voluntarily without coercion and solely to assist ongoing police investigations.
Umahi demands scientific investigation
In a move aimed at ensuring transparency and addressing growing public concern, Senator Umahi has formally requested the Ebonyi State Police Command to conduct a comprehensive forensic autopsy before Habila’s remains are released for burial.
Through his legal representatives, the minister asked the Commissioner of Police to engage qualified forensic pathologists to scientifically determine the exact cause and circumstances of Habila’s death.
The lawyers argued that a forensic examination remains the most credible means of establishing the truth and preventing speculation capable of undermining public confidence in the investigation.
The legal team also clarified that contrary to widespread social media claims, Habila was not staying inside the minister’s personal residence but in accommodation specifically designated for ministry staff and official visitors.
According to the letter, only Habila and Anita Baaki occupied the chalet on the night of the incident.
The lawyers further requested that Habila’s body should not be released to her next of kin, Tanko Habila Wisdom of Jaba Local Government Area of Kaduna State, until the forensic autopsy and all relevant investigative procedures are concluded.
They argued that preserving the body until scientific examinations are completed would safeguard evidence and ensure that conclusions are based on verifiable facts rather than conjecture.
Earlier calls for autopsy
The minister had previously disclosed that immediately after Habila was pronounced dead, he personally received her parents, expressed condolences and advised them to consent to an autopsy to determine the cause of death.
According to the minister’s media office, the family initially declined the request, although Umahi has consistently maintained that a post-mortem examination remains necessary to establish the facts.
However, more recent court filings indicate that Habila’s family has also formally asked that no autopsy be conducted and requested the release of her body for burial, while stating that they were not alleging foul play. That request has yet to receive an official response from investigators.
Public interest and ongoing investigation
The death of the young health professional has generated widespread public attention, with civil society organisations, political figures and human rights advocates calling for an independent and transparent investigation before any conclusions are drawn.
While various allegations have circulated on social media regarding the circumstances surrounding Habila’s death, none has been substantiated by investigators.
Police investigations remain ongoing, and authorities have yet to announce the cause of death.
The anticipated forensic examination is expected to play a decisive role in establishing what transpired and determining whether any criminal liability exists.
With the emergence of Anita Baaki’s sworn testimony and the minister’s insistence on an independent forensic investigation, attention is now focused on the outcome of the police probe, which is expected to provide scientific answers to the questions surrounding Mary Habila’s untimely death.
