Mary Habila Death: Colleague Breaks Silence
as Family Rejects Autopsy, Umahi Seeks Independent Forensic Probe

The mystery surrounding the sudden death of 26-year-old physiotherapist, Mary Habila has taken a dramatic turn after her colleague revealed the final moments they shared before tragedy struck. As fresh court documents emerge, Habila’s family has rejected an autopsy despite calls for a forensic investigation, while the Minister of Works, David Umahi, insists the exact cause of death must be uncovered. The conflicting positions have intensified public interest and renewed demands for a transparent investigation.

What happened to Mary Habila?
Mary Habila, a nurse attached to the David Umahi Federal University of Medical Sciences and on secondment to the Federal Ministry of Works, was found unconscious in her accommodation in Uburu, Ebonyi State, on June 27, 2026, after her colleague, Anita Baaki, raised the alarm when repeated calls went unanswered. She was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital. While her family has rejected an autopsy, Minister of Works David Umahi has requested a comprehensive forensic examination, and police investigations remain ongoing.

Fresh details have emerged over the controversial death of Mary Habila, a nurse attached to the David Umahi Federal University of Medical Sciences (DUFMS) and on secondment to the Federal Ministry of Works, after her colleague and close friend, Anita Baaki, narrated the events leading to her death in a sworn affidavit before the Ebonyi State High Court.

The development comes as Habila’s family formally rejected a post-mortem examination, even as legal representatives of the Minister of Works, David Umahi, urged the police to conduct a comprehensive forensic autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.

According to the affidavit filed on Wednesday, Baaki, a physiotherapist from Benue State, 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.

She stated that the officials were accommodated in separate but adjoining rooms inside a staff chalet located within the minister’s country home in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

Baaki, however, clarified that the chalet was reserved exclusively for ministry staff and associates and was not the minister’s personal residence.

Recalling their final interaction, she said Habila returned on the evening of June 26 after visiting a salon and stopped by her room to show off 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 in the affidavit.

The physiotherapist explained that she became worried the following morning after Habila failed to come out of her room as expected.

She said repeated phone calls went unanswered. Consequently, she knocked on Habila’s door but received no response.

According to Baaki, the room remained locked from the inside, prompting her to alert a domestic staff member to search the premises.

When Habila could not be found elsewhere, other staff members were informed, and the room was eventually forced open.

She was discovered lying unconscious near the entrance of the room and was immediately rushed to the David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital, where doctors confirmed she was dead on arrival.

Baaki stressed that her statement was made voluntarily and without any form of coercion to assist investigators in establishing the circumstances surrounding Habila’s death.

Family Rejects Autopsy

Meanwhile, Habila’s family has declined the request for a post-mortem examination.
In an affidavit deposed before the Ebonyi State High Court on July 13, Habila’s father, Tanko Habila, stated that although he welcomed efforts to determine the cause of his daughter’s death, the family would not consent to an autopsy.

“While I welcome steps being taken to unravel the cause of my daughter’s death, my family and I will not accept any post-mortem on her body.”

He explained that the family wished to preserve her body intact and insisted they did not suspect any foul play.

Tanko Habila also requested the Nigeria Police Force to release his daughter’s body for burial.
“I also wish not to proceed further with the investigation and request that my daughter’s body be released to me for burial.”

He maintained that his decision was made voluntarily and without inducement, coercion or external influence.

Umahi’s Lawyers Seek Forensic Investigation

Despite the family’s position, lawyers representing Minister David Umahi have formally written to the Ebonyi State Police Command, requesting a comprehensive forensic autopsy before Habila’s remains are released.

According to the legal team, the request is intended to ensure transparency, preserve the integrity of the investigation and establish the true cause of death.

The lawyers also reiterated that Habila stayed in accommodation designated for ministry staff and associates rather than the minister’s private residence.

They further noted that only Habila and Anita Baaki occupied the chalet on the night of the incident.

The legal team urged the police to engage qualified forensic pathologists capable of determining the precise medical cause and surrounding circumstances of Habila’s death.

Police Insist Investigation Will Continue
The Ebonyi State Police Command has maintained that investigations into the case are still ongoing.

Police spokesperson Joshua Ukandu disclosed that the command is awaiting the presence of the deceased’s family or their representative before any forensic procedure can be carried out.

He assured Nigerians that the investigation would be “thorough, transparent and impartial,” adding that updates would be provided as the inquiry progresses.

The circumstances surrounding Mary Habila’s sudden death continue to generate widespread public attention, with many Nigerians calling for a transparent investigation capable of resolving the lingering questions surrounding the incident.