Two persons have been detained by Nigerian police following the sudden death of Mr. Ndifreke Saviour Mark, a longtime aide of former Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode, who collapsed and died in a hotel in the Garki area of Abuja.
Fani-Kayode announced the incident on Sunday, in a statement. He revealed that 52-year-old Mark, his Special Assistant for over three decades, passed away earlier that day.
According to police reports, Mark was with another individual at the hotel when he slumped and died in their presence.
He was rushed to Asokoro District Hospital, where he was declared dead upon arrival.
Following the incident, authorities detained the individual who was with Mark at the time of his death, along with the hotel receptionist, for further questioning.
In his statement, Fani-Kayode expressed deep sorrow over the loss, said, ” It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of my devoted Special Assistant, Mr. Ndifreke Saviour Mark, who was with me for no less than 34 years.”
Fani-Kayode said the deceased left home at 5.40am on Sunday, October 13 for morning Mass as he was a devoted Catholic and member of the Catholic Church of Assumption, Asokoro after which he went to a hotel by the name of Mildy Lodge and Apartments in Garki, Abuja.
He said, “According to the police he took a room at the hotel and spent some time there with an individual after which he apparently slumped and died in that individual’s presence.
“He was taken to Asokoro District Hospital, was pronounced dead upon arrival and has since been put in the hospital morgue.
“The hotel receptionist has also been detained by the police whilst both the manager and the owner of the hotel were invited for questioning earlier this week.
“The entire hotel was also sealed up by the police for two days and the room in which he lodged remains sealed till today.
“I have broken the sad news to his family, I have met with his wife Barrister Patience Ndifreke-Mark and his Uncle, Mr. Clement Mathias, (who represented his family) and I have also told them of my intention to ensure that, if indeed there is any foul play, justice is done and those behind it are brought to book.
“Mark was like a son to me and his passing is a huge blow to me and my entire family.
“We shared many dreams and aspirations and fought many battles together shoulder to shoulder,” he said.
According to Fani-Kayode, “Now he has gone it has left much pain but I give thanks to God for his life and for the 52 years that he spent on earth”.
He said, “I have assured his wife and family of my intention to stand by them at this difficult time and to ensure that they do not lack or want for anything.
“I have absolute confidence in the FCT Police Command to get to the bottom of this matter after which we can proceed to bury a man that was my most loyal staff and most trusted aide.
“Most important of all is the fact that he was a kind, reliable and compassionate soul who brought joy to many and who was incapable of hurting a fly.
“I will never forget him and though he has passed he lives on in our hearts.
“I thank all those that have found the time to come and mourn with us at this difficult time.
“May Ndifreke’s precious soul rest in peace and may the Lord comfort his wife and two beautiful young children.” he added.
