Anita Baaki, a colleague of the late Mary Habila, has filed a sworn affidavit before the High Court of Ebonyi State detailing the events leading to the death of the 26-year-old at the residence of the Minister of Works, David Umahi, in Uburu.
In the document, sworn at the High Court Registry in Abakaliki on July 15, 2026, Baaki provides a first-hand account of the final hours spent with the deceased.
Baaki, who noted that she has worked with the Minister of Works since his tenure as Governor of Ebonyi State and is currently employed by the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, stated that she and Habila had been close friends for three years.
She explained that they had traveled together from Abuja to Ebonyi on June 24, 2026.
“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,” Baaki stated.
Describing their final interaction, the affidavit reads, “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 Habila did not appear as usual, Baaki grew concerned.
She stated, “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 which 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.”
After a wider search of the premises proved unsuccessful, the decision was made to force the door open.
According to the affidavit, “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 noted that Habila was immediately rushed to the David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital, where medical personnel confirmed she was dead on arrival.
Concluding her testimony, Baaki affirmed that the statement was made voluntarily for “record and official purposes,” stating, “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.”
This affidavit emerges as part of the ongoing public scrutiny surrounding the incident, which continues to generate significant interest and calls for a thorough investigation.
