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Monday, June 8, 1998 Published at 16:10 GMT 17:10 UK
World: Africa
Abacha reported dead
General Sani Abacha inspecting Nigerian security forces in March
Latest reports from Nigeria say the military leader, General Sani Abacha, has died after suffering a heart attack.
The American news agency, Associated Press, say close friends of Abacha's family reported the death on Monday.
Earlier in the day, troops sealed off the presidential residence without explanation, provoking speculation about his state of health.
In keeping with Muslim practice, a funeral will be held within the next 24 hours, the agency reported.
Journalists who had been summoned to the General's presidential compound in the capital, Abuja, remain outside waiting for further details.
General Abacha, who is 54, has made few public appearances since greeting Pope John Paul in March.
He recently failed to attend a special function in Lagos.
The general seized power in 1993 after cancelling presidential elections.
He has promised to hand over to an elected civilian administration, but in April he became the only nominated candidate for the presidency.
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