Francis Duru: Family Announces Final Burial Plans
The Nollywood veteran will be honoured at services in Abuja and Imo State before his burial and interment in his hometown on December 11
The family of late Nollywood actor Francis Duru has announced plans for his burial, with funeral activities scheduled to take place in Abuja and Imo State in November and December 2026.
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The arrangements were disclosed in a statement shared on the actor’s official Instagram page on Monday, November 2. The notice was jointly signed by his son, Ebuka Duru, and his sister, Anthonia Chenyi, on behalf of the family.
According to the announcement, the first Service of Songs and Tributes will take place on Wednesday, November 25, at 5pm at Family Worship Centre, Idris Gidado Street, Wuye, Abuja.
The family will hold another Service of Songs and Tributes on Thursday, December 10, at the compound of the late Pa Theophilus Ogide Duru in Okai, Eziama, Isiala Mbano, Imo State.
The funeral service and interment are scheduled for Friday, December 11, at the same family compound.
The family also disclosed that additional services are being organised by various associations and bodies across the country, providing colleagues, friends and admirers with further opportunities to pay their respects.
In the statement, the family described Duru as a cherished husband, father, brother, uncle and friend, while expressing gratitude to those who had supported them since his passing.
“Though our beloved Chief Francis Duru has taken his final bow, his memories will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him,” the statement read.
The family also acknowledged the prayers, messages, calls and other gestures of support received during the period of mourning, describing them as a source of strength.
Duru’s death was announced by his family on October 23, 2026, following what it described as a brief illness.
The family did not publicly disclose the nature of the illness. The Actors Guild of Nigeria also confirmed his passing, prompting tributes from colleagues and members of the entertainment industry.
The veteran actor was widely recognised for his performances in Nigerian films, particularly the 1995 classic Rattlesnake, in which he played Ahanna. His film credits also included Blood Money and Merry Men: The Real Yoruba Demons.
Duru began his acting career in 1989 and became one of the familiar faces of Nollywood’s formative years.
Beyond his screen work, he served as interim president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria in 2010 and won the Best Actor in a Leading Role (Igbo) award at the 2020 Best of Nollywood Awards for his performance in Mboputa.
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His burial arrangements will bring family members, industry colleagues and admirers together to celebrate his life and remember his contribution to Nigerian cinema.
