Customs comptroller slums at airport, dies, CG mourns

The Comptroller, Trade Facilitation Unit of the Nigeria Customs Service, Anthony Ayalogu, is dead.

Ayalogu was said to have slumped at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport while on transit on an official assignment and died.

The News Agency of Nigeria reported on Wednesday that the Comptroller-General of the NCS, Col. Hameed Ali (retd.), confirmed the death.

Ali, in a statement issued by a Superintendent of Customs, Mr Abdullahi Maiwada, on Tuesday in Abuja, said Ayalogu, who died at 57, suddenly took ill and lost consciousness upon arrival at Malam Aminu Kano International Airport while on transit on an official assignment.

Arrow Left #1 Icon Created with Sketch.

Arrow right #1 Icon Created with Sketch.

The comptroller-general said efforts to resuscitate him failed as he was later pronounced dead at 465 Nigerian Airforce Hospital Kano.

The Customs boss, described the late officer as “a true champion and will be sorely missed.”

“We pray God grants the Ayalogu family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” the statement read.

Ali also commiserated with the entire officers and men of the service, as well as friends of the deceased.

Ayalogu hailed from Onitsha North Local Government Area of Anambra state and held a Bachelor’s Degree in Botany from the University of Port Harcourt.

He was enlisted into the NCS on September 24, 1991 as Cadet Assistant Superintendent.

Ayalogu took over as Comptroller, Trade Facilitation on January 31 and was until his death a fellow at the World Customs Organisation.

He had served at the System Audit Unit under the Tariff and Trade Department before moving to the trade and facilitation department.

He is survived by a wife and children.

Punchng

Fred, Fernandes lead Man United to dominant win over Tottenham

Manchester United moved within a point of the Premier League's top four after a dominant 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford on Wednesday.

Grizzlies 115, Knicks 112 (OT): Scenes from the return of Knicks-related heartbreak

The Knicks are back, friends! And so is the requisite heartbreak that comes with watching the Knicks. Our guys fought their hearts out in the second half, erasing a 19-point deficit on the road against a superior foe. They managed to send the game into overtime with a clutch three from a resurgent Cam Reddish.

Nets lose opener to Pelicans, 130-108, as Ben Simmons fouls out with 4 points

Things did not go as planned. The Brooklyn Nets got walloped in the season opener, 130-108, by the New Orleans Pelicans despite Kevin Durant’s 32 points on just 21 shots.

Zion scores 25 points in return, Pelicans rout Nets

Zion Williamson resumed his assault on backboards and basketball players, leaving both at the mercy of his skills and strength.

“It’s like he didn’t miss a beat,” New Orleans coach Willie Green said. “You just throw the ball to him and watch what he does.”