How Ndifreke Saviour Mark, a special assistant to Former Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode who left home for church ended up dead in a hotel room is still a puzzle to many, especially the police who are tasked with the responsibility of solving this puzzle. As a matter of fact, as we speak, investigation into the incident has begun and some arrest made......See Full Story>>.....See Full Story>>
Nigerians were busy navigating their way through the hardship ravaging the country when Fani-Kayode broke the sad news.
Indeed, the pain of losing a loved one cannot be overlooked.
For Fani, he feels this pain because the deceased was like a son to him.
Fani took his time to narrate the entire incident that led to the death of Ndifreke.
According to him, Ndifreke, a devoted Catholic left his Abuja home to the church on Sunday morning.
Indeed, he was well and hearty, leaving a cloud of uncertainty hovering above his sudden demise.
However, after church, Ndifreke headed for a hotel where he paid for a room and spent sometime with an unknown individual.
Suddenly, Ndifreke slumped and and died right on the spot.
Fani has vowed to ensure that justice is served.
His words: “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.”
Fani-Kayode’s story has sparked numerous reactions.
“This your story no clear”, many reacted.
To others, there is no connection between the church and the hotel casting more doubts.
However, many others have sympathised with the deceased family over the tragic incident.
It is now left for the Nigeria Police to solve the puzzle and unveil the mystery behind Ndifreke’s tragic demise.
All eyes are on the Police.