Nigeria’s Immigration Boss, Muhammad Babandede Tests Positive For Coronavirus COVID-19

Published: March 29, 2020

The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Muhammad Babandede has tested positive for the deadly Coronavirus COVID-19.

Babandede was said to had gone into isolation after he returned from the United Kingdom March 22, 2020, through a British airways flight which touched down in Lagos State.

Speaking with PUNCH on Sunday, Babandede confirmed that he have contracted the virus.

“Today, I tested positive for COVID-19. I have been on self-isolation since my return from UK on Sunday 22nd of this month with British Airways in Lagos.
“I urge my loved ones, Immigration Officers and Nigerians to pray for me and all those affected.”

Babandede urged immigration officers to continue working with his deputy to move the service forward. He added:

“It is a very difficult time but we can’t change what God destined for us. I urge officers to continue working with my able Deputy to further move our Service to another level. As advised by NCDC, I am totally isolated.”

A statement from the media office of the Immigration service on Sunday, reads:

“The Comptroller General of Nigeria Immigration Service Muhammad Babandede health status with regard to Corona Virus and his self-isolation since he returned from UK.
“As a top official of the government, he has adhered to the NCDC instructions to self-isolate and undergoes the test.
“The result of the test came out positive, hence the need to make it public, he conveys his goodwill to all and he is in stable condition responding to treatment.
“The Comptroller General is active and directing as expected the affairs of the service online, while the Deputy Comptroller General Overseeing the administration of the service is in touch online to keep service activities running within this period.
“The Nigeria Immigration Service community will continue to deliver on its mandate for the nation even in this trying times as we pray the whole world get over it, Nigeria inclusive”.

This is coming barely 12 hours after the Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, tested positive for COVID-19.