Mary Habila death: Colleague recounts final moments as ADC, northern youths demand independent probe

Fresh details have emerged over the death of 26-year-old physiotherapist, Mary Habila, as her colleague and close friend, Anita Baaki, recounted the events leading up to the incident, while the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Northern Youth Council of Nigeria intensified calls for an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death.

Habila, a staff member of the David Umahi Federal University of Medical Sciences who was on secondment to the Federal Ministry of Works, died under circumstances that remain unclear after she was found unconscious at accommodation within the country home of the Minister of Works, David Umahi, in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

The case has attracted widespread public attention, prompting demands for transparency, a forensic autopsy and a comprehensive investigation by law enforcement authorities.

Colleague narrates final hours

In a sworn affidavit filed before the Ebonyi State High Court on Wednesday, Anita Baaki, a physiotherapist from Benue State and one of Habila’s closest associates, provided what is believed to be the most detailed account so far of the deceased’s final hours.

Baaki said she travelled from Abuja to Ebonyi State with Habila and other officials of the Federal Ministry of Works on June 24, 2026, as part of an official assignment under the supervision of the Minister of Works.

According to her, the officials were lodged in separate but adjoining rooms within a staff chalet located inside Umahi’s country home in Uburu.

She stressed that the accommodation was designated specifically for ministry staff and associates and was distinct from the minister’s personal residence.

Baaki explained that she last saw Habila alive on the evening of June 26 after the latter returned from a hair appointment.

According to the affidavit, Habila briefly visited her room to show off her newly styled hair and the two spent some time chatting and joking together.

“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.

She said she became concerned the following morning when Habila failed to emerge from her room as expected.

Repeated telephone calls to the deceased’s phone reportedly went unanswered.

Baaki said she subsequently went to Habila’s room and knocked several times but received no response.

After discovering that the room was locked from the inside, she alerted a domestic staff member and requested assistance in locating her colleague.

When efforts to find Habila elsewhere proved unsuccessful, other members of staff were informed.

The room was eventually forced open.

According to Baaki, Habila was found lying unconscious on the floor near the entrance of the room.

She was immediately rushed to the David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital in Uburu, where medical personnel reportedly confirmed that she was dead on arrival.

Baaki stated that her testimony was provided voluntarily and without coercion in order to assist investigators seeking to establish the circumstances surrounding the death.

Police insist on autopsy

The Ebonyi State Police Command has already confirmed that it is investigating the case and has insisted that a forensic autopsy remains a critical component of the inquiry.

Police authorities disclosed that arrangements are being made to engage qualified forensic pathologists to conduct a post-mortem examination capable of determining the exact cause of death.

The command said investigators have visited the scene, interviewed relevant persons and collected statements as part of the ongoing investigation.

The police also indicated that although the deceased’s family initially expressed reservations about an autopsy, law enforcement authorities consider the examination necessary given the sensitive nature of the case and the public interest it has generated.

Officials maintain that scientific evidence will be crucial in determining what happened and ensuring that the investigation is based on facts rather than speculation.

Umahi’s lawyers seek forensic examination

Lawyers representing the Minister of Works have also formally requested the Ebonyi State Police Command to ensure that a comprehensive forensic autopsy is conducted before Habila’s remains are released for burial.

In a letter addressed to the Commissioner of Police, the legal team argued that a thorough forensic examination would help establish the true cause of death and preserve the integrity of the investigation.

The lawyers maintained that the deceased was staying in accommodation designated for staff and associates and not inside the minister’s personal residence.

They further clarified that only Habila and Baaki occupied the building on the night before the incident.

According to the legal representatives, delaying the release of the body until the completion of all forensic procedures would preserve critical evidence, reduce speculation and ensure that conclusions reached by investigators are supported by scientific findings.

The legal team urged police authorities to engage experienced forensic experts and pathologists to handle the examination.

Northern youths demand independent probe

As investigations continue, the Northern Youth Council of Nigeria has called for what it described as a transparent and independent investigation into the death.

In a statement signed by its National President, Isah Abubakar, the group expressed concern over the circumstances surrounding the incident and urged security agencies to ensure that justice is done.

The council said it was deeply disturbed by reports relating to the death of the young healthcare professional and insisted that only an independent forensic autopsy could establish the true cause of death.

According to the group, the investigation must be conducted in a manner that inspires public confidence and eliminates any perception of interference.

The council acknowledged public comments by Umahi supporting an autopsy but maintained that the process should be handled independently to guarantee credibility.

It also called on the Nigeria Police Force to carry out a thorough investigation and prosecute any individual found culpable.

Abubakar stated that the organisation believes accountability and transparency are essential in a matter of such public significance.

The group went further by demanding that the minister step aside while investigations are ongoing.

According to the council, such a move would strengthen confidence in the process and remove concerns about possible influence.

The organisation also threatened to mobilise nationwide protests in collaboration with civil society groups if authorities fail to meet its demands within seven days.

It stressed that justice for Habila and a transparent investigation remain non-negotiable.

ADC calls for independent inquiry

The African Democratic Congress has also entered the controversy, demanding an independent probe into the circumstances surrounding Habila’s death.

In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the opposition party described the incident as a matter of national concern that requires complete transparency.

The ADC argued that the death of a citizen within premises linked to a serving cabinet minister raises legitimate public questions that must be addressed through an investigation free from executive influence.

The party said issues surrounding Habila’s presence at the location and the circumstances leading to her death remain unanswered.

According to the ADC, only a truly independent panel can establish the facts and restore public confidence.

The party called for a comprehensive autopsy and demanded that the findings of any investigation be made public.

“We therefore call for an independent investigation that is completely removed from the control or influence of the Executive,” the party stated.

“This inquiry must include a full autopsy to determine the exact cause of Ms Habila’s death and a public report of its findings.”

The ADC argued that anything less than an independent probe would fuel suspicion and further erode public trust in government institutions.

The opposition party also urged Umahi to temporarily vacate office pending the conclusion of investigations.

It maintained that such a step would demonstrate commitment to accountability and transparency.

According to the party, President Bola Tinubu must ensure that the investigation is conducted without interference and that all facts are brought to light.

The ADC further extended condolences to Habila’s family and insisted that justice must be served.

Umahi denies wrongdoing

Umahi has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing and has publicly supported calls for an autopsy.

The minister stated that Habila was among medical personnel attached to the Federal Ministry of Works and had been seconded from the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences.

He maintained that there was no attempt to conceal the incident and disclosed that he advised the deceased’s family to approve a forensic examination to determine the cause of death.

The minister has also insisted that the accommodation where the incident occurred was reserved for staff and associates and not his personal residence.

His legal team has similarly emphasised the need for scientific investigation and forensic evidence before any conclusions are reached.

Family announces burial

Meanwhile, the family of the deceased has announced plans for her burial.

In a funeral announcement, relatives disclosed that Habila, popularly known as Mara, will be laid to rest on July 17, 2026.

According to the announcement, the funeral service will take place at 10 a.m. at the Deeper Life Bible Church in Nok, Jaba Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The family stated that Habila was born on September 18, 2000, and died on June 27, 2026, at the age of 26.

The burial plans come amid ongoing calls for a forensic examination and increasing public interest in the investigation.