The family of veteran Nollywood actor Chief Francis Duru has announced the funeral arrangements for the late star, who died on October 22, 2026. He will be buried in his hometown in Isiala Mbano, Imo State, on Friday, December 11, after services of songs and tributes in Abuja and Imo.
The family released the programme on Monday, November 2, on the actor’s Instagram page, according to Legit.ng and The Sun. The statement was signed jointly by his first son, Ebuka Duru, and his sister, Anthonia Chenyi (née Duru).
The Funeral Programme
According to the published programme, the funeral will hold over three days:
- Wednesday, November 25, 2026: Service of songs and tributes in Abuja at 5pm, at the Family Worship Centre, Idris Gidado Street, Wuye.
- Thursday, December 10, 2026: Service of songs and tributes in Imo State at the compound of the late Pa Theophilus Ogide Duru in Okai, Eziama, Isiala Mbano.
- Friday, December 11, 2026: Funeral service and interment at Okai, Eziama, Isiala Mbano, Imo State.
The family also said that branch bodies and associations in various states are organising additional services of songs. Members of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), the Directors Guild of Nigeria (DGN) and other industry groups were asked to coordinate through two named contacts listed on the programme.
“In Loving Memory”
The programme describes Duru as a husband, father, brother, uncle and friend, and gives his dates as July 27, 1967 to October 22, 2026. Some earlier media reports had given his age as 57.
In the statement, the family thanked everyone who had supported them since his death and invited relatives, friends, colleagues and well-wishers to join them in honouring his life. Legit.ng reported that the statement ended with a farewell telling him he would “forever remain in our hearts.”
The family did not disclose the cause of death. Earlier reports said he died after a brief illness in Abuja.
A Familiar Face of Nollywood
Duru was one of the most recognisable actors of Nollywood’s home-video era. He is best remembered as Ahanna in Amaka Igwe’s 1995 crime classic Rattlesnake, a role that made him a household name. He went on to appear in dozens of films and television productions over almost three decades.
He also spoke openly about his theatre roots. In a past interview cited by The Sun, he described acting as an accident that became his calling.
His death drew tributes from across the industry. Veteran actor Kanayo O. Kanayo paid tribute on social media on October 23, describing Duru as one of Nigeria’s most prolific actors, according to Legit.ng. Kenneth Okonkwo also remembered him for his humility.
In 2024, Duru publicly mourned the death of his 15-year-old son, Ifeanyi, in emotional posts that drew wide sympathy from fans.
What Happens Next
The first public event is the Abuja service of songs on November 25. Colleagues from the film industry are expected to attend and pay tribute. The family and guild bodies will then move to Imo State for the final rites in December.
Fans should rely on the family’s official channels for any updates to the programme, after Legit.ng reported that the family had earlier warned the public about fake burial flyers.
Sources: Legit.ng, The Sun, Vanguard, The Whistler, QED.ng.
