Fresh details have emerged over the death of Mary Habila, a nurse attached to the David Umahi Federal University of Medical Sciences (DUFUS), as investigators await a forensic autopsy expected to determine the circumstances surrounding her death.
The latest developments include a sworn statement by Anita Baaki, a physiotherapist and colleague of the deceased, alongside a formal request by lawyers representing the Minister of Works, David Umahi, urging the Ebonyi State Police Command to ensure a comprehensive post-mortem examination is completed before Habila’s body is released for burial.
Habila was among officials who travelled from Abuja to Ebonyi State on 24 June for official assignments under the Federal Ministry of Works. According to Baaki’s affidavit filed before the Ebonyi State High Court, members of the delegation were accommodated in adjoining rooms within a staff chalet situated inside the minister’s country home in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area.
Baaki stated that the chalet served as accommodation for staff members and associates and was not the minister’s personal residence.
In her statement, she recalled seeing Habila on the evening of 26 June after she had returned from having her hair done. The pair chatted briefly before Habila retired to her room.
“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.
She said concern arose the following morning when Habila failed to emerge from her room. After repeated telephone calls went unanswered and knocks on the door elicited no response, Baaki alerted a domestic staff member to help locate her colleague.
When searches around the premises proved unsuccessful, other staff members were informed and the locked room was forced open. Habila was found lying unconscious near the door.
She was rushed to the David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital, where medical personnel confirmed that she was dead on arrival.
Baaki stated that her affidavit was made voluntarily and without coercion for official and investigative purposes.
Meanwhile, lawyers acting for Umahi have written to the Commissioner of Police in Ebonyi State requesting that a forensic autopsy be conducted to establish the exact cause of death.
The legal team said the measure was necessary to safeguard the integrity of the investigation, preserve evidence and ensure that any conclusions reached are based on scientific findings.
They also reiterated that the deceased had been accommodated in a staff facility rather than the minister’s private residence and noted that, on the night of the incident, only Habila and Baaki occupied the building.
The lawyers further asked the police not to release Habila’s remains to her next of kin, identified as Tanko Habila Wisdom of Jaba Local Government Area in Kaduna State, until all forensic examinations and investigative procedures had been completed.
Police have continued investigations into the incident, with the outcome of the forensic examination expected to play a key role in establishing the cause and circumstances of Habila’s death.
