Alhaji Mohammed Asha Emir of Kaura-Namoda in Zamfara State, was reported dead while in isolation. The deceased had been in isolation at the Yariman Bakura Specialist Hospital, Gusau for three days.

He was said to have died of suspected coronavirus-related complications.

The Emir, according to the Publicity Secretary for the Control and Prevention of COVID-19 in the state, Alhaji Mustafa Jafaru Kaura, had been in isolation at the Yariman Bakura Specialist Hospital, Gusau three days ago. Mustafa stressed that his blood sample had been sent to Abuja for the COVID-19 test, explaining, however, that “the result is still being awaited”.

He said the remains of the late Emir were still in the hospital waiting for burial by officials of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control.

Aged 71, the late Emir was appointed in 2004 by the first civilian Governor of the state, Alhaji Sani Yariman Bakura.

Until his appointment, he was an accountant, Auditor, and Director Finance at Kaura Namoda, Gusau, Bukkuyum local government councils respectively, and a Village head of Nasarawar Mai-layi in the year 1975.