2020 in Review: Famous Nigerians who died from coronavirus

Coronavirus has claimed the lives of a number of notable Nigerians. The virus, which was first reported on the shores of the country in February, has affected and disrupted the lives of millions of Nigerians.

So far, more than 76,000 Nigerians have been infected while more than 1,200 people have died.

The first casualty, Suleiman Achimugu, former Managing Director of the Pipelines and Products Marketing Company (PPMC) reportedly died on March 23.

The country was thrown into a frenzy after his death was announced.

The case count piled up until the Federal Government announced the first of many lockdowns in Abuja and Lagos a week later.

Aside from the prominent Nigerians who have died from the virus, health workers, and ordinary Nigerians have also been victims.

In this article, MyNigeria takes a look a some famous Nigerians who died as a result of coronavirus

Abba Kyari

The death of Former Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari, shook the presidency to its core. Before his death, Mr. Kyari was the closest confident of the president. He was described as Buhari’s “gatekeeper” and “loyal friend”.

According to the Lagos State government, Mr. Kyari died April 17 through complications from the virus. He was 67.



Suleiman Achimugu

What a way to make coronavirus history!

Mr. Suleiman Achimugu was Nigeria’s first coronavirus fatality. The former Managing Director of the Pipelines and Products Marketing Company (PPMC) died from the virus on March 23.



According to reports, he had just returned from a procedure in the United Kingdom when he succumbed to the virus. He was reported to have some underlying medical conditions including multiple myeloma and diabetes.

He was 67-year-old.

Abiola Ajimobi

Former Governor of Oyo State, Abiola Ajimobi died June 25 from coronavirus at 70-year-old. Prior to his death, Ajimobi was reported to have slipped into a coma following complications from the virus. He was on a life support.



Wahab Adegbenro

Dr Adebgenro was another of the country’s political elite to be hit by the virus. The Former Minister of Health for Ondo State was reported to have fainted in his clinic while treating a patient in the state capital, Akure.

He died July 2 at the Federal Medical Facility (FMC), Owo.



Buruji Kashamu

Senator Kashamu’s death rocked the core of the largest opposition party, PDP. A party chieftain, he was the Vice-Chairman of the Senate Committee on States and Local Government.



On August 8, Senator Kashamu died as a result of complications from coronavirus. He was 62-year-old.

Watch the final burial rites of Abba Kyari