Fani-Kayode’s aide dies in Abuja hotel

Ndifreke Mark, special assistant to Femi Fani-Kayode, a former minister of aviation, is dead.

The former minister disclosed Mark’s passing in a post on his X page on Sunday.

“He was with me for no less than 34 years,” Fani-Kayode wrote.

Fani-Kayode added that the deceased left his residence in the early hours to attend mass at the Catholic Church of Assumption, Asokoro, before heading to the Mildy Lodge and Apartments in Garki, Abuja.

“According to the police, Mark 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 wrote.

“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.”

The former minister said he insisted on a thorough investigation and autopsy to determine the cause of death.

He added that police have detained the hotel receptionist, questioned the manager and owner, and sealed the hotel and victim’s room for further investigation.

“I have absolute confidence in the FCT Police Command to get to the bottom of this matter after which we can proceed to bury him,” he added.

Fani-Kayode expressed grief over the loss, describing Mark as a “loyal staff and most 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 politician assured the deceased’s family of his support “during this difficult time”.