Customs Officer Dies During Public Hearing

A senior officer from the Nigerian Customs Service has collapsed and died during a session with the Public Account Committee of the House of Representatives. The identity of the deceased, remains unknown as of the time of this report. According to a statement issued by Honourable Akin Rotimi, spokesman for the House of Representatives, the officer experienced sudden health complications while fielding questions from committee members around 1:00 pm. Efforts to stabilize him were made swiftly by first responders and medical staff at the National Assembly clinic, but unfortunately, they were unable to revive him. “It is with deep sadness and regret that we confirm the passing of an esteemed official of the Nigeria Customs Service who was at the National Assembly for an engagement with a House Committee,” the statement read. The House of Representatives expressed heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the deceased, acknowledging his significant contributions to the Customs Service and the nation as a whole. “We are deeply saddened by the sudden loss of a dedicated public servant. Our hearts go out to his family during this difficult time,” Speaker Tajudeen Abbas remarked. The incident occurred during ongoing investigations into revenue-generating agencies and government parastatals. The House assured full cooperation with relevant authorities to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the officer’s death and to ensure all necessary protocols are followed. Further updates on the matter are expected as investigations continue, while the family of the deceased has been urged to be given privacy to mourn their loss.

Lagos Hajj Pilgrim, Oloshogbo Dies In Saudi Arabia

Idris Oloshogbo, a 68-year-old pilgrim from Lagos State, has passed away in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, during the Hajj pilgrimage. The Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board confirmed his death, which occurred shortly after he participated in the Tawaf, the circumambulation of the Holy Kaaba. The board Secretary, Saheed Onipede, conveyed the news through a statement by the agency’s spokesperson, Taofeek Lawal, on Wednesday. Oloshogbo, a resident of Shomolu Local Government Area, reportedly died while eating his evening meal after performing the Solat Maghrib prayer. Medical experts have yet to ascertain the exact cause of death, but it is suspected to be related to high blood pressure and the physical strain of the Tawaf. Onipede expressed the state government’s condolences to the family and friends of the deceased and prayed for Allah to forgive his shortcomings and grant him Aljanat Fridauos (Paradise). He emphasized that Oloshogbo’s death is particularly poignant as it occurred after fulfilling his intention to perform the Hajj, thereby potentially granting him the full spiritual reward of the pilgrimage. The deceased was buried in Makkah according to the principles laid down by Saudi Arabian authorities, with a Janaza prayer observed by a board member, Waheed Shonibare, state officials, and fellow pilgrims at the Kaabah. Onipede also used this moment to caution other pilgrims about the physical demands of the rites and advised them to avoid overstressing themselves as they prepare for the more intense rituals of the Hajj. The last batch of pilgrims is set to proceed from Madinah to Makkah on Thursday, continuing their spiritual activities.

Nigerian Ambassador To Morocco, Nuhu Bamalli Dies @42

Nigeria’s Ambassador to Morocco, Alhaji Mansur Nuhu Bamalli, who also held the title of Magajin Garin Zazzau and was a Prince of the Zazzau Emirate in Kaduna State, has passed away at the age of 42. Alhaji Mansur Nuhu Bamalli was the younger brother of the current Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Nuhu Bamalli. According to a statement from the Media and Publicity officer of the Zazzau Emirate Council, Ambassador Bamalli breathed his last at a private hospital in Lagos while on his way to Morocco.  The statement noted that details about funeral arrangements would be provided at a later time. Ambassador Mansur Nuhu Bamalli is survived by his wife and two children. His appointment as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Morocco came in 2022, under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.  Prior to this role, he had served as a deputy director at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 

Former Nigerian Minister Of Interior Dies

Senator Alh. Dr. Bello Maitama Yusuf, a prominent figure in Nigerian politics and business, and a former minister for internal affairs and commerce, has passed away at the age of 78. Senator Yusuf, who represented the Jigawa South West constituency as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, had a long and distinguished political career.  He was first elected in April 1999 and subsequently re-elected in April 2003, earning the trust and support of his constituents over the years. During his tenure as a minister, Senator Yusuf made significant contributions to the nation. As the minister for internal affairs in 1979 and the minister for commerce in 1982, he played a crucial role in safeguarding Nigeria’s economic interests.  Notably, his efforts as the minister for commerce helped curb the influx of imported goods into Nigeria, which was greatly impacting the country’s foreign reserves. In his home state of Jigawa, Senator Yusuf was recognized and honoured with the title of “Sardaunan Dutse” in acknowledgment of his outstanding service and contributions to the state. Furthermore, he was a recipient of the prestigious national honour, the Grand Commander of the Niger (GCON), reflecting the high regard in which he was held by the nation.