Buhari's Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari Dies of Corona Virus

The Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari, Mallam Abba Kyari has died. His death was confirmed around midnight by Femi Adesina, the President's Special Adviser on Media and Publicity.  It was followed by a statement from the Presidency.

Below is the text of the statement:
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."

Kyari, a former Commissioner for Agriculture in Borno State was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1984. He worked briefly with the law firm of Fani-Kayode and Sowemimo In Lagos.
He tested positive to COVID-19 on March 20 after his return from an official assignment in Germany.
Kyari's death will no doubt bring changes to the operations in the Presidency as he was one of President Buhari's most trusted men. He was seen by many as the de facto President during his lifetime.