Umahi says nurse who died at his residence ‘was like a daughter’

Minister of Works, David Umahi, has made fresh revelations about Mary Habila, the nurse who died at his residence in Uburu, Ebonyi State.

Habila, an employee of the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences Teaching Hospital, Ebonyi, died at the Minister’s residence on June 27, 2026. Her death has sparked nationwide outrage, with many calling for an independent probe.

Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday, Umahi said Habila had worked closely with him for about three years and was like a daughter to him and his family.

The Minister clarified that she was a nurse employed by the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, Ebonyi State, and not a physiotherapist.

He said Habila had been receiving medical treatment for an existing health condition at a hospital in Turkey, and that he personally paid her medical bills.

According to Umahi, she spoke with her boyfriend before her death and complained of nosebleeding.

Anita Baaki, a close friend and colleague of Habila, had earlier narrated the circumstances leading to her death.

In an affidavit sworn before the Ebonyi State High Court on Wednesday, Baaki 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 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 returned from having her hair done.

“Habila visited my room and complained of exhaustion. She 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.