Former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, has announced the death of his longtime Special Assistant, Mr. Ndifreke Saviour Mark, who slumped and died in an Abuja hotel.
Fani-Kayode, made this announcement on his official Xaccoutn formally Twitter in the early hours of Monday, 21 October 2024.
According to Fani-Kayode, Mark left his residence early in the morning to attend Mass at the Catholic Church of Assumption, Asokoro, on Sunday, October 13, before heading to a hotel with an individual before his death.
Mark, who had served FFK for over 34 years, was reportedly checked into Mildy Lodge and Apartments in Garki, Abuja, where he spent some time with an unidentified individual.
“According to the police, he took a room at the hotel, spent time with an individual, and apparently slumped and died in that person’s presence,” Fani-Kayode revealed.
Mark was rushed to the Asokoro District Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. The individual who was with him at the time of his collapse has been taken into police custody, and a full criminal investigation is underway.
Fani-Kayode expressed his deep grief over the loss, describing Mark as a loyal and trusted aide. “He was like a son to me, and his passing is a huge blow to my family and me.
We shared many dreams and aspirations, and now he has gone, it has left much pain,” he said.
The hotel staff, including the receptionist, have been detained for questioning, while both the manager and the owner were invited by the police earlier this week.
The hotel was sealed for two days as investigations began, and the room where Mark lodged remains sealed.
Fani-Kayode has assured Mark’s family, including his wife, Barrister Patience Ndifreke-Mark, of his support during this difficult time. He emphasized his commitment to ensuring justice if foul play is discovered.
“I have absolute confidence in the FCT Police Command to get to the bottom of this matter,” he added, stating that an autopsy would be conducted to determine the exact cause of death.
Fani-Kayode also paid tribute to his aide, remembering him as a kind, reliable, and compassionate individual who “brought joy to many and was incapable of hurting a fly.”
Mark is survived by his wife and two children.
His Post
ANNOUNCEMENT:
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)