Abba Kyari, the deceased chief of staff to President Muhammadu Buhari, will be buried in Abuja today, PREMIUM TIMES learnt.
Mr Kyari, from Borno State, was pronounced dead on Friday from coronavirus complications. He was first tested positive for the virus on March 23 and subsequently moved to a private medical facility in Lagos for treatment.
Following his demise Friday night, the presidency has commenced burial plans in earnest in line with Islamic provisions.
PREMIUM TIMES learnt from presidential spokesperson Garba Shehu that Mr Kyari’s remains has arrived Abuja from Lagos.
Garba Shehu wrote
“We just received the body of Abba Kyari the deceased Chief of Staff the President in Abuja. In strict observation of the protocol put in place for the burial of Coronavirus victims by the @NCDCgov and the Federal Ministry of Health, the funeral prayer and burial will be private.
Thereafter,there will be no such ceremonies as condolence visits. Well meaning friends, family members and the general public are encouraged to pray for the repose of Abba Kyari’s soul.”
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| The vehicle conveying the remains of late Mallam Abba Kyari |
Mr Kyari has been in public consciousness since he was announced to have fallen victim of the virus on March 23.
He was initially receiving treatment in Abuja before he was transferred to a private hospital in Lagos on March 29.
In a March 29 statement, Mr Kyari said his health was improving and urged Nigerians to remain calm about his situation and keep a hygienic lifestyle to avoid contracting the virus.
But on Friday night, the presidency confirmed he had departed from complications inflicted by the virus. Mr Kyari consequently became the most senior Nigerian government official and politician to die from the virus, which was first reported in the country on February 27.
