Death rumour: IBB speaks from Germany

Ex-military President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida was on Wednesday, forced to dispel rumours about his death for the second time in three months.

Speaking from Germany where he is undergoing routine medical check-up, IBB told TVC live television programme, ‘Journalist Hangout' that he was hale and hearty and not dead as being speculated on social media.

Back home, the gap toothed General's family has described rumours of his death as mischief carried too far.

His brother, Alhaji Datijo Aliyu, told newsmen in Minna, Niger State that he had just spoken to the former military ruler whom he confirmed, is undergoing routine medical check-up in Germany.

“Even when he was President of Nigeria he usually goes for the medical check-up because of the bullet he is carrying in his system as a result of defending Nigeria. In fact, there was a time he travelled for three months when he was president to attend to the same bullet, so there is nothing special in this particular journey.

“He even wanted to come back, but we (family members) insisted that he should stay there and rest because any time he is in Nigeria there is always that pressure on him as statesman attending to different issues. We are surprised. We don’t know where this rumour is coming from.

“Just as he has always said, nobody is above illness nor will not die one day, but wishing somebody alive death is mischief carried too far and I can confirm to you that I spoke to him this afternoon. I will not stand here and lie to you and many people in Minna out of curiosity have also spoken to him too.”