David Umahi, Minister of Works, has opened up about the circumstances surrounding the death of Mary Habila, the nurse who died at the residence.
Habila died at the residence of the minister in Uburu, Ebonyi State, on June 27. Before her death, she worked at the David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital in Ebonyi
Her death has sparked nationwide outrage, with many calling for an open, independent investigation. It was gathered that her parents were in Ebonyi state earlier in the week to collect the remains of their daughter, but they were denied access.
Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday, Umahi said rumours that he might have had a hand in the death of Habila are cruel and malicious, stating that the deceased had worked with him for three years and was like a daughter to him and his family.
The Minister clarified that, contrary to initial reports, Habila was a nurse employed by the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, Ebonyi State, and not a physiotherapist.
He disclosed that she had been receiving medical treatment for an underlying medical challenge at a Turkish hospital, adding that he personally footed her medical bills.
The Minister said before her death, she spoke with her boyfriend on the phone and complained of nose bleeding. He stated that her boyfriend told her to go to the hospital, but she said she would be fine and told him she would call him back after taking her bath. When her boyfriend called back, she did not pick up.
According to him, when there was no sign of Habila the next day, they had to break open the door to her room, where she was found motionless while the tap was running in the bathroom, indicating that she died while trying to take her bath.
He also warned those trying to politicise the matter and pin the death on them to desist, lest they incur the wrath of his family.
Anita Baaki, a close friend and colleague of Habila, who was with her at the residence of the minister when she died, had earlier narrated the circumstances leading to her death.
In an affidavit sworn before the Ebonyi State High Court on Wednesday, she recounted the final hours she spent with the deceased.
According to the document, Baaki travelled with Habila and other Ministry Staff from Abuja to Ebonyi on June 24, 2026, for official assignments.
They were reportedly accommodated in separate but adjoining rooms at a staff chalet located within Umahi’s country home in Uburu, Ohaozara LGA.
Baaki stated that she last saw Habila alive on the evening of June 26, after the nurse had returned from having her hair done.
Habila reportedly visited Baaki’s room and complained of exhaustion.
“Mary told me she was tired and wanted to take a shower before sleeping. That was the last time I saw her alive,” the affidavit read.
Baaki said she became concerned the following morning when Habila did not come out of her room as expected
