CJN tests positive for COVID-19, receiving treatment in Dubai

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Tanko Muhammad has tested positive for COVID-19.

This was disclosed by a member of the Supreme Court, Justice Ibrahim Saulawa at the unveiling of the national headquarters of the Muslim Lawyers’ Association of Nigeria (MULAN) on Tuesday in Abuja.

Saulawa said the CJN is receiving treatment in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates.

Muhammad, was on Monday, absent from new legal year ceremony of the Supreme Court, where he was scheduled to preside over the inauguration of 72 new Senior Advocates of Nigeria.

Muhammad is one of the high-profile Nigerians that have tested positive for the virus since Nigeria started witnessing resurgence of the virus. Lagos State governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu tested positive for the virus at the end of last week.

A Nigerian army general last week died of complications from the virus. Major-General Johnson Irefin General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division Port Harcourt attended a conference in Abuja earlier in the month before he died.

The army said at least 26 generals, who had contact with Irefin, contracted the virus.

“On the confirmation that Gen Irefin’s COVID-19 test was positive on Dec. 9, the Chief of Army Staff directed the immediate suspension of the conference,” army spokesman Sagir Musa said.

“And, all participants were directed to move into self isolation in line with the Federal Government protocols on COVID 19 pandemic.”

During the first wave, President Muhammadu Buhari’s former chief of staff, Abba Kyari, died in April from the novel coronavirus. Former governor of Oyo State Abiola Ajimobi and two Nigerian senators Bayo Osinowo and Buruji Kashamu also died from COVID-19 complications.