President Muhammadu Buhari’s chief of staff Abba Kyari has passed on. The presidency confirmed the death in a statement issued by Mr. Femi Adesina, the spokesman of President Buhari.

“The Presidency regrets to announce the passage of the Chief of Staff to the President, Mallam Abba Kyari. The deceased had tested positive to the ravaging COVID-19, and had been receiving treatment. But he died on Friday, April 17, 2020.

Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, announced Mr Kyari’s death on Twitter.

Chief of Staff to the President, Mallam Abba Kyari, passes on. May God rest his soul. Amen. Funeral arrangements to be announced soon.

— Femi Adesina (@FemAdesina) April 17, 2020

The news broke in March that  Kyari had tested positive for the virus while his principal, Buhari was said to be negative.

The presidency later released a statement confirming the report. President Buhari, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, many governors, ministers and other top government functionaries had mingled with Kyari shortly before he tested positive for the coronavirus (COVID-19).

Kyari, who returned to Nigeria from Germany on March 14, had participated in several state functions and unofficial engagements that attracted prominent personalities.