FCCPC board probes death of Director in office

The Governing Board of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), has instituted an investigative panel into the death of its North-West Zonal Director.

It was gathered that Julius Haruna died in the Katsina office of FCCPC after involving in a dispute, which escalated to physical contact, with another employee of the Commission.

The employee of the Commission identified as Ms. Muibat Taiwo Abdussalam, who has been arrested by the police and under detention, had accused Haruna of sexual harassment.

The FCCPC Assistant Director was found dead on the floor after the office brawl last week Wednesday and the deceased has been deposited in the morgue of Katsina General Hospital.

It was learnt that there have been a record of past cross allegations of conflict and abuse/aggression by the deceased and Ms. Abdussalam. The current claims include an assertion of insufficient remedial action by the management of FCCPC.

Confirming the development, the police spokesman in Katsina, SP Gambo Isah disclosed that the suspect had reportedly done a certain report for which she demanded N80,000.

The deceased directed the cashier to give N4,000 to Abdussalam, arguing that what she did was not up to the amount she demanded.

Isah said, according to the police investigation, an argument ensued between the suspect and the deceased in his office in the presence of the cashier who later left the two in a fierce argument.

He added that the victim allegedly manhandled the deceased, tore his clothes and took his nude picture. She reportedly rushed to the GRA police station, where she reported him for alleged sexual harassment.

“Our investigations also revealed that the suspect, Ms Muhibat, had fought four previous directors who were there before the deceased,” Isah said, adding that investigation into the matter was ongoing.

After her report at the police station, some police officers were said to have followed her to the directors office only to meet him lifeless on the floor, with bruises on his body.

Meanwhile a statement by Mr Tam Tamunokonbia, the Secretary of the FCCPC Board in Abuja on Tuesday, said the late Director, Mr Julius Haruna, died in the commission’s office last Wednesday in Katsina.

Tamunokonbia said that available information showed that Haruna was involved in a dispute which escalated to fisticuffs with Ms Muibat Abdussalam, another employee of the commission.

He said the board had also directed an immediate, but temporary relief of relevant leadership and operatives within the commission to ensure fair, transparent and credible investigation.

Tamunokonbia said that Dr Ben Nwoye, a legal practitioner and a member of the board had been appointed as the chairman of the Independent Internal Investigation Panel.

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He said that retired AVM Wakili Ahmed, another member of the board, was also appointed as a co-chairman of the panel.

Tamunokonbia said the board directed that representatives from the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment and Office of the Head of Service of the Federation, be invited as members of the panel.

“The Katsina State Police command is currently continuing its own investigations.”

“Ms Abdusalam is currently detained by the command.”

“The commission will continue to make appropriate, full and frank disclosures of information, any investigative outcomes and or judicial processes, where applicable.”

“The commission notwithstanding continues to discharge its mandate including across the North-West region,” he said.

He said the board extended its condolence to the family, friends, and colleagues of the deceased. (NAN)