Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah Is Dead

Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz has passed away, aged 90. The monarch died late last night January 22nd (Nigerian time) in his home. His death was announced in a statement broadcast on Saudi state TV.

"His Highness Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and all members of the family and the nation mourn the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, who passed away at exactly 1am this morning (Friday - Saudi time)," the statement said.

Abdullah became king in 2005 after the death of his half-brother King Fahd. The late king's brother, Salman, 79, has been announced as the new ruler of the kingdom.