The Presidency has announced the death of Chief of Staff to the President, Mallam Abba Kyari.

Mallam Kyari had tested positive for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in late March and was receiving treatment in a private facility in Lagos.

He died on Friday, April the 17th.

Funeral arrangements will be announced shortly, according to a statement by the Special Adviser to the President (Media and Publicity), Femi Adesina.

Kyari is one of 17 deaths from COVID-19 Nigeria has recorded and is the most high-profile government official to have succumbed to the disease.

Related: COVID-19: Buhari tests negative, Kyari positive