Minister Umahi's Residence: Colleague Narrates Finding Mary Habila Deceased Inside Locked Room

Anita Baaki, a co-worker of the late 26-year-old Physiotherapist Mary Habila, has submitted a sworn affidavit to the Ebonyi State High Court. The document outlines the circumstances surrounding Habila's demise at the Uburu, Ebonyi State residence of the Minister of Works, David Umahi.

Sworn on July 15, 2026, at the High Court Registry in Abakaliki, Baaki's affidavit provides a direct narration of the last moments she shared with Habila before the physiotherapist was discovered unresponsive within her internally locked room.

Baaki stated that her professional association with Minister Umahi commenced during his tenure as Ebonyi State Governor, subsequently leading to her employment at the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences (DUFUS). She further revealed that she and Habila had been colleagues under the Minister of Works for approximately three years, during which they forged a strong bond of friendship.

The court heard that on June 24, 2026, both Baaki and Habila, along with other personnel from the minister's office, journeyed from Abuja to Ebonyi.

Baaki recounted, “On the fateful night of 26th day of June, 2026 at the Ministers house in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, we have stayed in the same staff chalet in our respective rooms which are next to each other.”

She continued, “Late Mary Habila went to make her hair and came back to show me in my room, after we joked about it she told me that she is tired and want to take a shower before she sleeps, that was the last time we saw each other for the night.”

“The following morning when I did not see her as usual, I called her phone but the call was not going through then I left my room to knock on her door hich was locked from the inside but there was no response, then I became apprehensive and instructed a domestic servant to search for her around the house,” the affidavit further detailed.

Baaki explained that multiple attempts to reach the deceased on her mobile phone were unsuccessful, leading her to knock on Habila's room door, which she observed was secured from the interior. With no reply forthcoming, Baaki directed a domestic staff member to conduct a search for Habila throughout the property, but the initial efforts proved futile. The escalating concern then initiated a more extensive search, culminating in the forceful opening of Habila's room door.

The affidavit states that Habila was found prostrate on the floor, close to the entrance of her room. The affidavit explicitly stated, “She was not found anywhere in the house, so I alerted everyone and a thorough search began which led to forcing her door open. Lo and behold she was found on the floor close to the door.”

Baaki confirmed that Habila was promptly transported to the David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital, where medical professionals officially pronounced her dead upon arrival.

Furthermore, Baaki affirmed the voluntary nature of her testimony, declaring, “I wish to state herein, that I was never induced, coerced or influenced in any way or with anything by anybody to make these dispositions.” She concluded by stating that the affidavit was prepared for “record and official purposes” and asserted that its contents were accurate to the best of her understanding, consistent with the Oaths Act, 2004.

This affidavit represents the most recent development amidst the ongoing public scrutiny surrounding Habila's demise at the minister's home. The incident continues to spark considerable public interest and calls for an impartial investigation.