21st October, 2024
By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja
Femi Fani-Kayode, a former minister and chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress, has explained how his aide of 34 years he identified as Ndifreke Saviour Mark died in an hotel in Abuja on Sunday, 13, October after attending church.
Fani Kayode who described Ndifreke as his most ‘trusted aide’ revealed that the deceased slumped and died in the presence of an ‘individual ‘ he took to a facility he identified as Mildy Lodge and Apartments in Garki, Abuja after he left church.
The former Minister who revealed this in a statement on his social media handles late Sunday said 52-year- old Ndifreke was confirmed dead after he slumped at the hotel at the Asokoro District Hospital.
However, the former Minister who said the police are already investigating the sudden death of his Ndifreke did not disclose the identity or sex of the individual who was with him when he slumped and died.
He also revealed that as part of the investigation, the police have arrested the receptionist and manager of the hotel as well as the individual that was with him.
He added that the room his late aide died in has also been sealed by the police.
Fani-Kayode expressed hope that the police will unearth the reason for the death of Ndifreke after which he will be buried.
Read his full statement below.
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.
He left home at 5.40am on the morning of Sunday 13th October 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.
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 individual he was with at the time of his death in the hotel is now in police custody and I have insisted on a full criminal investigation of the matter and an autopsy.
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.
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.
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.
(FFK)
