The reports indicated that Babangida died after a long battle with an undisclosed ailment.

However, a statement by Afegbua said the former military president was still alive and kicking.

The part of the statement reads;

"IBB IS ALIVE AND BUBBLING

It has become consistent fake news for quite sometime now wishing our own IBB, the one we easily refer to as 'the last don' of Nigeria politics, dead. The 'fake news bill' would be a suitable response to this category of news carrier. IBB is very much alive and bubbling. He just started attending to friends and associates who came to see him today, Sunday, 15th December, 2019 right here at his Minna Hilltop mansion. He is full of life and in his characteristic bubbling mood."