Panic As Atiku’s Son Is Yet To Test Negative Four weeks Later

Mohammed Atiku-Abubakar, a son of Nigeria’s former vice-president, has continued to test positive for coronavirus four weeks after he was confirmed.

He remained isolated without symptoms, a development that has surprised medical experts. Mr Atiku-Abubakar, 31, tested positive for the virus on March 19. He was subsequently moved to the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, where most COVID-19 cases around the Nigerian capital are treated.

Despite being placed on medication, including antiretroviral and immune-boosting vitamins, he has continued to test positive 28 days on, according to medical officials familiar with his case.

“He tested positive again yesterday. We are doing all that is in our power to ensure his recovery, but he can only be released after he has been deemed completely recovered.”

Another official mentioned that Mr Atiku-Abubakar’s “unique condition” has puzzled experts at the NCDC.

“We have been saying that this is a unique condition, but we are confident he will recover soon,” the official added.

Mr Atiku-Abubakar remained asymptomatic even one month after he caught the virus. Both officials spoke with us under anonymity because the NCDC does not comment on individual cases unless otherwise determined by its top management.

Chikwe Ihekweazu, head of NCDC, declined comments about Mr Atiku-Abubakar’s situation Thursday afternoon.

Mr Atiku-Abubakar confirmed that he was still at the isolation facility on Thursday afternoon, but declined further comments on his test results and treatment.