Fresh details have emerged regarding the death of Mary Habila, a nurse attached to the David Umahi Federal University of Medical Sciences (DUFUS) and seconded to the Federal Ministry of Works, following a sworn affidavit by her colleague and close friend, Anita Baaki.

Baaki, a physiotherapist from Benue State, disclosed that she was among members of the medical team who travelled from Abuja to Ebonyi State on June 24, 2026, for official duties under the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi.

In the affidavit filed before the Ebonyi State High Court, Baaki explained that the staff members were lodged in separate but adjoining rooms in a staff chalet situated within the minister’s country home in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area. She clarified that the chalet was designated exclusively for staff members and associates and was not the minister’s personal residence.

Recounting the events leading up to Habila’s death, Baaki said the nurse returned to the chalet on the evening of June 26 after having her hair styled and stopped by her room to show off the new look. The two colleagues spent some time chatting and joking before Habila excused herself.

According to Baaki, Habila said she was exhausted and intended to take a shower before retiring for the night.

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

Baaki said she became worried the following morning when Habila failed to leave her room as she normally would. After several unanswered phone calls, she knocked repeatedly on Habila’s door but received no response.

Suspecting something was wrong, she alerted a domestic staff member to search the premises. When Habila could not be located elsewhere, other staff members were informed, and the door to her room was eventually forced open.

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

She was immediately rushed to the David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital, where doctors confirmed that she was dead on arrival.

Baaki stressed that her affidavit was made voluntarily, without intimidation or coercion, and solely to assist the authorities in their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Habila’s death.

Her account comes amid growing public interest in the case, as Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has called for a comprehensive forensic investigation to establish the exact cause of the nurse’s death.