FACT CHECK: Did Buhari’s close aide, Abba test positive for COVID-19?

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A report featured in the Sahara Reporters, a digital newspaper headquartered in New York yesterday that Sarki Abba, Senior Special Assistant, Social Affairs and Domestic Matters to the President tested positive for COVID-19.

The report failed to provide any document or pictorial evidence to substantiate its claim, but hid under an unidentified source.

CLAIM: Sarki Abba, Senior Special Assistant, Social Affairs and Domestic Matters to the President tested positive for COVID-19, and his status remains unknown.

FINDINGS: The Ravens Fact Check investigates this claim, and concludes it is untrue.

According to a statement by Garba Shehu, presidential spokesperson, “Upon the directive of doctors and scientists and supervision of Professor Ibrahim Gambari, the Chief of Staff, all staff working for and around the President, are routinely and rigorously checked for the virus. The Senior Special Assistant, Social Affairs and Domestic Matters, Sarki Abba, always tested negative.

Professor Ibrahim Gambari, Buhari’s Chief of Staff

Shehu described the report as utter falsehood and disgraceful lies, advising the public to ignore it.

Similarly, another presidential media aide, Bashir Ahmad posted a picture on his verified Twitter handle, showing him in a pose with Sarki Abba yesterday at Aso Rock.

Bashir Ahmad (L) and Sarki Abba (R) in a pose yesterday at Aso Rock

Ahmad called the report false and untrue.

Lauretta Onochie, another presidential aide posted two different pictures on her verified Twitter handle, featuring Sarki Abba at work yesterday.

Lauretta Onochie (L) and Sarki Abba (R) in a picture shot yesterday at Aso Villa

One of the two pictures also featured Sunday Aghaeze, with the three public officials donning face masks.

Sunday Aghaeze (L); Lauretta Onochie M) and Sarki Abba (R)

VERDICT: The report that Sarki Abba tested positive for coronavirus is unsubstantiated, fake and misleading. His current status is also negative according to official sources corroborated with pictorial evidence.

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