A retired banker on Thursday morning reportedly died of suspected complications from COVID-19 in Kano.

The deceased, one Rufai Abdulmalik, was a retired Director/Senior Manager with the defunct Bank of the North.

According to The Nation, the deceased, who is a cousin to Ohinoyi of Ebira Community in Kano, died at a Federal Hospital in the city.

It was gathered that the deceased had been on self-isolation since returning from a condolence visit to the family of Dr Aliyu Yakubu, who died of COVID -19 in Katsina.

Late Dr Yakubu, whose death was announced by Katsina State, was an in-law to Abdulmalik and distant cousins as both hailed from Kogi Royal family.

 “Upon his return from Daura and subsequent confirmation by Governor Masari that Dr. Aliyu died of coronavirus, he took to self isolation over the last 14 days,” The Nation quoted an unnamed source as saying.

“But just yesterday evening, we noticed COVID -19 symptoms and rushed him to health facility only for him to give up the ghost.”

Confirming his death in a telephone conversation, Tijjani Aliyu, cousin to late Abdulmalik, said:

“I’ve just received the sad news and I’m heading to the hospital to join the Ohinoyi of Ebira community to evacuate his remains for proper burial.”

The Wokilin of Ebira Community in Kano, Alhaji Yahaya Sadiq, described his death as “devastating tragic news.”

Sadiq said arrangements were currently on to bury “a gentleman who lived for others”.

The Nation