- As terrorists abduct High Court judge, wife, aides in Borno state
An event that was perhaps indented to straighten the records of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) became tragic when Andrew Essien, a Deputy Comptroller of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), died on Tuesday while being questioned by the House of Representatives Committee on Public Accounts.
Essien who was in charge of revenue in the NCS’s Account Unit, was answering questions about customs revenue when he coughed, requested for water and then collapsed while struggling to uncork the bottle.
“Sir, I might need to take some water,” Essien said while struggling to open the bottle of water in front of him.
Shockingly, before a colleague could assist him to open the bottle , he collapsed and was rushed to the National Assembly Clinic, where he was pronounced dead.
Spokesperson of the House, Akin Rotimi who announced the Deputy Comptroller’s passing said the officer developed health complications during the interaction with the lawmakers.
“During the engagement, which occurred around 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, 25 June 2024, the official developed sudden health complications. Despite the immediate and diligent efforts of first responders and medical personnel at the National Assembly clinic, he unfortunately passed away,” Rotimi said in a statement.
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC), chaired by Bamidele Salam (PDP, Osun), was conducting its routine investigation into the NCS’s activities when the incident occurred.
In a statement by its spokesperson, Abdullahi Maiwada, The NCS expressed sadness over the death of the officer.
“Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing and working with him. His exemplary service and unwavering commitment to duty will be remembered and cherished by the entire NCS community.
In the meantime, terrorists suspected to be Boko Haram members have abducted a High Court Judge, Justice Haruna Mshelia together with his wife, driver and orderly on Biu to Maiduguri road In Borno State.
The judge was abducted on Monday, while he was travelling in his vehicle, with his driver, a security escort and his wife, a source familiar with the region, Zagazola Makama, said.
“As they approached a curve in the road between Burutai and Buni-Gari, a group of armed men emerged from the bushes, their weapons blazing and barricaded the road.
“The judge’s vehicle screeched to a halt, then attempted to maneuver its way to escape. In the chaos that ensued, Justice Mshelia’s vehicle was stopped by another team of insurgents,” he said.
Premium Times/SaharaReporters
