Mr Julius Haruna, Assistant Director and Head of Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) North-West Zonal Office, Katsina has died in the Commission’s office in Katsina, following a fisticuff with a female colleague.
Tam Tamunokonbia, Director Legal Services/Secretary to the Board of FCCPC,confirmed this in a statement.
He said although “investigations are at early and inconclusive stages, information known suggests that Haruna was involved in a dispute which escalated to, and included physical contact with Ms. Muibat Taiwo Abdusalam, another employee of the Commission.”
He explained that the Katsina State Police Command is currently seized with, and continuing investigations.
“The deceased is currently deposited in the morgue of Katsina General Hospital and awaiting an autopsy. Ms. Abdusalam is currently detained by the state Police Command.”
He further explained that the Commission visited the deceased’s family in Kafanchan, Kaduna State, and is continuing to provide support to the family.
He added that the Commission has been in communication with the family of the detained Ms. Abdusalam with respect to answering their questions and providing any legitimate and applicable support in the circumstances.
“The Commission is also assisting and supporting the Police investigation of the sad occurrence.There are current, and indeed a record of past cross allegations of conflict and abuse/aggression by the deceased and Ms. Abdulsalam; which current claims include an assertion of insufficient remedial action by the management of the Commission.In response to this sad incident, and events leading thereto, the Governing Board of the Commission held an emergency Board meeting yesterday, August 22, 2022.
The Board meeting decided by resolutions:
“To immediately and forthwith institute an independent internal investigation, to conclude within 21 working days or any extensions granted by the Board; Appointed Dr. Ben Nwoye (Legal practitioner and non-executive Commissioner/Board member) as Chair of the Independent Internal Investigation Panel (Panel); and Air Vice Marshal Wakili Abdullahi Ahmed (Rtd), (also a non-executive Commissioner/ Board member) as Co-Chair of the Panel; and to invite representatives of the Federal Ministry of Industry Trade and Investment and Office of the Head of Service of the Federation as members of the panel.”
Other resolutions of the Board include directing Executive Management of the Commission to immediately engage an experienced and independent legal counsel as member, guide and support to the Panel as well as Immediately but temporarily relieve relevant leadership and operatives within the Commission in order to ensure a fair, transparent and credible investigation.
The statement assured that the Commission would continue to make appropriate, full, and frank disclosures of information, any investigative outcomes and or judicial processes (where applicable).