A physiotherapist and colleague of the late Mary Habila has recounted the events leading to the nurse’s death in Ebonyi State, describing the last moments she spent with her before she was found unconscious in her room.

The account was contained in a sworn affidavit filed before the Ebonyi State High Court on Wednesday by Anita Baaki, a physiotherapist attached to the Federal Ministry of Works. Habila, a nurse with the David Umahi Federal University of Medical Sciences who was on secondment to the ministry, died during an official assignment in the state.

Baaki said she travelled with Habila and other ministry officials from Abuja to Ebonyi on June 24, 2026, for an assignment under the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi. She explained that they were lodged in separate but adjoining rooms in a staff chalet within the minister’s country home in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area.

According to the affidavit, the chalet was reserved for ministry staff and associates and was not the minister’s personal residence. Baaki said she last saw Habila alive on the evening of June 26 after she returned from having her hair done.

She recalled that Habila visited her room to show off her new hairstyle before the two chatted briefly. According to Baaki, Habila later said she was tired and intended to take a shower before going to bed.

Baaki said she became concerned the following morning when Habila failed to leave her room as expected. After repeated phone calls went unanswered and knocks on the door received no response, she alerted a domestic staff member to help locate her.

When Habila could not be found elsewhere and the room remained locked from the inside, staff members forced the door open and found her lying unconscious near the entrance. She was rushed to the David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital, where doctors confirmed she was dead on arrival.

Baaki stated that her affidavit was made voluntarily to assist investigators in establishing the circumstances surrounding Habila’s death.

Police investigations are ongoing, while lawyers representing the Minister of Works have requested a comprehensive forensic autopsy to determine the exact cause of death before the nurse’s remains are released for burial.