Bukka Hut Co-Founder, Laolu Martins Dies

BY AISHA ABUBAKAR

Mr. Laolu Martins, Co-Founder of Bukka Hut, one of the leading fast-food chain in Nigeria, is dead.

The family announced the death of the ex-banker which was said to have happened in the evening of Tuesday, 27 September.

While the family was silent on the cause of his death, unconfirmed reports indicate that the Laolu committed suicide around 3 a.m Wednesday in Lekki, Lagos.

Meanwhile, a statement released by the family on Wednesday said further announcements will be made by the family on the passage of the quintessential banker with over 21 years of experience in investment banking, corporate banking, stockbroking, asset management and pension fund management.

“We hereby solicit the support and understanding of everyone as the family grieves the loss of our beloved Laolu in our privacy.

“Our kind request is that you support the family – wife, children, aged mother and father and his siblings with your prayers at this difficult time.

“Further announcements will be made by the family,” the statement said.

Martins started his career with PricewaterhouseCoopers in 1999.

He joined Investment Banking & Trust Company Plc now Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc where he served in the Financial Control and Trade Finance/Foreign Operations units of the Bank before being seconded to Stanbic IBTC Asset Management Ltd where at various times he was Financial Controller, Head Asset Management and lastly Head Stockbroking.

He later resigned in 2005 to join Shell Nig. CPFA Ltd, the Fund Manager of the Shell Companies in Nigeria Pensions Scheme where he was Head, Investments up till 2008 when he resigned to join Nigeria International Security Limited, NISL, an independent financial services firm specialising in investments within the Nigerian space.