Panic as Wife of Suspected COVID-19 Patient who Died in UITH Tests Positive

Malik Yahya/

Relations and friends of the late Muideen Obanimomo, who was suspected to have died of coronavirus at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), have become apprehensive following unconfirmed reports that the deceased wife had tested positive for the deadly virus.

Late Obanimomo, who reportedly exhibited obvious symptoms of coronavirus, died at Accident and Emergency section of UITH on April 2 without being tested for the infection.

Obanimomo had fallen ill shortly after returning from a visit to the US with his wife.

A friend of the deceased, Professor Kazeem Alakija Salami, allegedly facilitated his admission without disclosing his recent travel history.

His remains were said to have been hurriedly released to his relations for burial in Offa, his hometown, despite the suspicion about the real cause of his death.

Although, UITH’s Medical Advisory Committee later issued a statement claiming that the management of the hospital became aware of the likelihood of the deceased being infected with coronavirus after the corpse had been handed over to the family.

After the wife’s test result returned positive, relations and friends who had contact with her during the burial are said to be afraid they might have been exposed to the virus.

Investigative journalist, Fisayo Soyombo, who shared the news of the woman’s test result on Twitter, via @fisayosoyombo, said some of the relations are worried about the lackadaisical attitude of the Kwara State government to the issue.

He added that some others are concerned that dozens of people who also had contact with the deceased in his final moments at the hospital are yet to be quarantined.

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