Nigeria on Friday reported fifty-one new cases of coronavirus, taking the total confirmed cases in the most populous black nation to 493. 159 patients have been successfully treated and discharged while 17 deaths have been recorded since the outbreak of the virus in Nigeria, according to Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).

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.

May God accept his soul.

Funeral arrangements will be announced shortly,” he noted in the statement. Kyari, in his seventies, is the highest-profile person in Nigeria to be killed by a virus that has caused 493 confirmed infections, with 17 deaths. The influential technocrat, who was reported to have suffered from underlying health issues, was seen as one of the dominant figures in the tight-knit group of advisors around Buhari.

He reportedly controlled access to the president, a 77-year old former military ruler now in his second term as democratically elected leader, overseeing key meetings and granting ministers audiences. 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.

Buhari has imposed a lockdown on Nigeria’s economic hub Lagos, Ogun and capital Abuja, while state governors have ordered a raft of measures in other regions.

Experts say the country of 200 million is highly vulnerable to the spread of the disease given its weak healthcare system and high population density.

Kyari’s Letter

Kyari was flown to Lagos in an Air ambulance to continue his treatment after testing positive for coronavirus.

Kyari said in a letter that he made his personal care arrangements to avoid further burdening the public health system, which faces so many pressures.

The letter read: “I am writing to let you know that on medical advice, I will transfer to Lagos later today for additional tests and observation.

“This is a precautionary measure: I feel well, but last week, I tested positive for coronavirus, the pandemic that is sweeping the world. I have followed all the protocols government has announced to self-isolate and quarantine.

“I have made my own care arrangements to avoid further burdening the public health system, which faces so many pressures. Like many others that will test also positive, I have not experienced high fever or other symptoms associated with this new virus and have been working from home.

I hope to be back at my desk very soon. “I have a team of young, professional, knowledgeable and patriotic colleagues, whose dedication has been beyond the call of duty, who continue to work seven days a week, with no time of the day spared. We will continue to serve the President and people of Nigeria, as we have for the past five years.”