Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, has explained that the identity of the Italian citizen, who is the index case of Coronavirus in Nigeria, cannot be revealed now because of medical ethics.
This follows growing speculation among some Nigerians that the Federal Government may be hiding something by its refusal to name the patient.
The Italian tested positive for the virus on arrival in Nigeria on February 26, 2020, but his identity will be kept under wraps unless he gives his consent to do otherwise, said Ehanire.
The minister, who was briefing State House correspondents after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in Abuja in Wednesday, said unlike the index case of Ebola, Patrick Sawyerr, who was known, the Italian could not be exposed because he has not given the permission to do so.
He recalled that Sawyerr was identified because he died and was no longer around to give his consent.
