Anita Baaki, a close friend and colleague of Mary Habila, physiotherapist with the David Umahi Federal University of Medical Sciences and on secondment to the Federal Ministry of Works, has detailed events leading to the death of Habila.
The PUNCH reporter learnt that The PUNCH obtained a copy of the affidavit which was deposed to and filed before the Ebonyi State High Court yesterday.
“Baaki, a physiotherapist from Benue State, said she travelled with Habila and other ministry officials from Abuja to Ebonyi State on June 24, 2026 for an official assignment under the Minister of Works, David Umahi.
She said they were accommodated in separate but adjoining rooms in a staff chalet in the minister’s country house in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area.
The chalet was designated for ministry personnel and associates, she said, not the minister’s own house.
Baaki said she last saw Habila alive on the evening of June 26 after she returned from getting her hair done.
“Habila popped into her room to show off her new hairdo, and then we talked and joked for a while,” she claimed.
Mary said that she was weary and wanted to have a shower before going to bed. “The last time I saw her alive was then,” said Baaki in the affidavit.
The next morning Baaki stated she became frightened when Habila did not come out of her room as she was supposed to.
After trying to call Habila several times and getting no answer, she said she knocked on the door. When there was no answer and the door was closed from inside, she asked a member of the domestic staff to check the room.
Habila was unable to be found and other workers were then notified and the room was forced open.
Baaki stated Habila was laying unconscious on the floor near the entrance to the room.
She was sent to the David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital where physicians pronounced her dead on arrival.
Her statement was given voluntarily and without duress to help detectives establish the facts surrounding Habila’s death, Baaki said.
Police investigations continue as lawyers for the Minister of Works have called for a full forensic examination to ascertain the exact cause of death before Habila’s remains are released for burial.
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