Police Probe Deepens in Mary Habila Investigation

Fresh details have emerged about the death of Mary Habila, a nurse attached to the David Umahi Federal University of Medical Sciences, following a sworn statement by her colleague, Anita Baaki.

Staff Accommodation and Timeline

ValidViewNetwork reports that Baaki, a physiotherapist from Benue State, travelled with other staff from Abuja to Ebonyi on June 24 for official duties under the Minister of Works, David Umahi.

ValidViewNetwork reports that the team was lodged in adjoining rooms within a staff chalet at the minister’s country home in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area.

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Baaki clarified that the building was reserved for staff members and associates, not for the minister’s personal use.

Last Moments of the Deceased

On June 26, Habila returned after having her hair done and visited Baaki’s room to show her new hairstyle. “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.

The next morning, Baaki became worried when Habila failed to come out. After unanswered calls and knocking, she alerted domestic staff. The door was eventually forced open, revealing Habila unconscious near the entrance. She was rushed to the David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital, where doctors confirmed she was dead on arrival.

Legal and Investigative Actions

Baaki affirmed that her statement was voluntary and made solely for official investigation. The minister’s lawyers have requested a forensic autopsy before releasing the body, citing transparency and the need to establish the true cause of death.

They clarified that Habila stayed in staff accommodation, not the minister’s private residence, and that only Habila and Baaki occupied the building that night.

Autopsy and Ongoing Probe

ValidViewNetwork reports that the legal team urged police to engage qualified forensic pathologists to determine the cause of death. They also requested that the remains not be released to her family until the autopsy and all investigative procedures are complete.

According to the lawyers, the delay would preserve evidence and ensure conclusions are based on scientific findings rather than speculation. Police investigations remain ongoing, with the forensic examination expected to play a central role in determining the cause of death, ValidViewNetwork reports.

The affidavit by Anita Baaki has provided crucial insight into the final hours of Mary Habila’s life, clarifying that she was discovered in staff quarters and not the minister’s residence. As the autopsy and police investigation progress, the case continues to draw national attention, with calls for transparency and justice echoing across Nigeria.