Francis Duru
The family of late Nollywood actor Francis Duru has finally announced how the veteran star will be laid to rest. In a statement shared on the actor’s official Instagram page on Monday, November 2, 2026, the family said Duru will be buried on Friday, December 11, 2026, in his hometown in Imo State, with a Service of Songs and Tributes first holding in Abuja on November 25.
The announcement comes about 10 days after the death of Francis Duru, the actor many Nigerians still remember as Ahanna from the 1995 classic Rattlesnake.
Watch: The Family’s Official Announcement
Here is the official funeral notice the Duru family shared on the late actor’s Instagram page.
Francis Duru Funeral Arrangements in Full
According to the statement, which was signed by the actor’s son, Ebuka Duru, and his sister, Anthonia Chenyi (née Duru), the farewell will take place over three main events.
Service of Songs and Tributes in Abuja – November 25
The first event is a Service of Songs and Tributes on Wednesday, November 25, 2026, at 5pm.
It will hold at the Family Worship Centre, Idris Gidado Street, Wuye, Abuja.
Service of Songs in Imo State – December 10
On Thursday, December 10, 2026, a second Service of Songs and Tributes will take place at the family compound of the late Pa Theophilus Ogide Duru in Okai, Eziama, Isiala Mbano, Imo State.
Funeral and Interment – December 11
The final funeral rites and interment are fixed for Friday, December 11, 2026, at the same family compound in Okai, Eziama, Isiala Mbano.
The family also noted that other Services of Songs are being planned by various associations and bodies in different states. Details of those events have not yet been released.
Quick Facts
- Who: Chief Francis Duru, veteran Nollywood actor
- Died: October 22, 2026, after an undisclosed illness
- Abuja Service of Songs: Wednesday, November 25, 2026, 5pm, Family Worship Centre, Wuye
- Imo Service of Songs: Thursday, December 10, 2026, family compound, Okai, Eziama, Isiala Mbano
- Funeral and interment: Friday, December 11, 2026, same venue
- Statement signed by: Ebuka Duru (son) and Anthonia Chenyi (sister)
‘You Will Forever Remain in Our Hearts’ – Family’s Message
In the statement titled “Forever in Our Hearts,” the family described the late actor as a cherished husband, father, brother, uncle and friend.
They called his life “a remarkable life, a beautiful legacy, a star that will never stop shining.”
The family invited “family, friends, colleagues, associates and well-wishers to join us” as they celebrate his life and the values he stood for, including love, kindness and compassion.
They also thanked Nigerians for “the kindness, love, prayers, calls, messages and support extended to our family throughout this difficult time.”
The statement ended with a short farewell: “Sleep well, Chief Francis Duru. You may have gone ahead of us, but you will forever remain in our hearts.”
Family Had Warned Against Fake Burial Flyers
Monday’s announcement follows an earlier warning from the family. On Saturday, October 31, a joint statement from Ebuka Duru, his sister Onyekachi Duru and their aunt Anthonia Chenyi was posted on the actor’s verified Instagram page.
It urged the public to ignore unofficial burial flyers that had started circulating online.
“Kindly disregard all unauthorized flyers and rumors circulating regarding the funeral arrangements for Chief Francis Duru,” the family said, adding: “Official updates will be shared exclusively on this page.”
The new statement, posted on the same page, is the family’s confirmed programme.
Who Was Francis Duru?
Francis Duru was born in Cameroon to parents from Imo State. He had his primary and secondary education there before returning to Nigeria, where he studied Theatre Arts at the University of Port Harcourt.
From Missing Mark to Rattlesnake
He made his screen debut in 1989 in Missing Mark, directed by the late Ndubuisi Oko. The film did not bring him instant fame.
His big break came in 1995 when he played Ahanna in Amaka Igwe’s Rattlesnake. The role made him a household name and remains one of the most talked-about performances of early Nollywood.
A Long and Busy Career
Over the years, Duru featured in many films, including Blood Money, Home in Exile, Mboputa, Stigma, The Good Husband, Lipstick, Mortuary Gate and Merry Men: The Real Yoruba Demons.
In 2007, he received a United Nations Ambassador of Peace award. In 2010, he served as interim president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) and earned a Best Actor in a Supporting Role nomination at the Africa Movie Academy Awards.
Family Life
Duru married his wife, Adokiye, in 2003. The couple met while studying at the University of Port Harcourt and had four children. In August 2024, the family lost their 15-year-old son, Ifeanyi.
Tributes Since His Passing
News of his death in October led to an outpouring of tributes from colleagues and fans. AGN President Abubakar Yakubu described him as “an iconic actor, a revered veteran and an exceptional practitioner,” while veteran actor Kanayo O. Kanayo called him one of the “most flexible and prolific performers in Nigeria.”
Many fans have continued to share clips of his work, especially his role as Ahanna, on social media.
His farewell comes in a season of loss for the wider West African film industry. Just days ago, Ghana said goodbye to legendary actress Grace Nortey, who was laid to rest at the State House in Accra.
Final Word
With the dates now confirmed, colleagues, fans and well-wishers have about three weeks before the first tribute event in Abuja. For a man who gave Nollywood one of its most iconic characters, the coming weeks will be a chance for the industry to honour a career that spanned more than three decades.
Source: Premium Times
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