Family announces Francis Duru’s burial arrangements

The family of late Nollywood actor Francis Duru has announced details of his burial arrangements.

PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported that the actor died in October at the age of 57. However, his family did not disclose the cause of his death.

The announcement was made in a statement posted on the actor’s Instagram page on Monday and signed by his son, Ebuka Duru, and his sister, Anthonia Chenyi.

The announcement followed the family’s clarification a day earlier, dismissing a viral burial announcement flyer purportedly signed by Chenyi, Ebuka and the actor’s daughter, Onyekachi.

According to the family, the funeral activities will begin with a service of songs and tributes on 25 November at the Family Worship Centre on Idris Gidado Street, Wuye, Abuja.

The family added that another memorial service will be held on 10 December at the Duru family compound, the residence of the late Pa Theophilus Ogide Duru, in Okai, Eziama, Isiala Mbano, Imo State.

The family stated that the late actor will be laid to rest on 11 December in the same community.

The statement read in part: “Sleep well, Chief Francis Duru. You may have gone ahead of us, but you will forever remain in our hearts.”

The family assured that Duru’s memory would remain alive in their hearts.

They invited relatives, friends, colleagues, associates and well-wishers to celebrate the late actor’s life and pay tribute to the values he represented, including love, kindness and compassion.

The family also acknowledged the support they received during their bereavement, thanking those who reached out through calls, messages, prayers, and other gestures of solidarity.

“A remarkable life, a beautiful legacy, a star that will never stop shining. 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.

“It is with heavy hearts but total submission to God that we share the details of his final journey home as we prepare to honour and celebrate the life of a cherished husband, father, brother, uncle and friend. We are sincerely grateful to everyone who has stood with us.”

Born in Cameroon to parents from Imo State, Nigeria, Duru spent his early years in the Central African country, where he completed his primary and secondary education.

He later returned to Nigeria and enrolled at the University of Port Harcourt, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Theatre Arts.

Duru ventured into acting in 1989 with Missing Mark, directed by the late Ndubuisi Oko. Although the film marked his entry into the industry, it did not immediately earn him the recognition he desired.

His career took a significant turn in 1995 when he featured as Ahanna in Rattlesnake, an action comedy produced by the late Amaka Igwe. The role introduced him to a wider audience and established him as a recognisable face in the industry.

Since then, he has featured in several films such as “Ugly Bird”, “Abigail’s Memoir”, “Blood Vessel”, “The Locals”, “The Good Husband”, “Mboputa”, “Why Not?”, “Merry Men: The Real Yoruba Demons”, “Who Killed Chief?”, “Lipstick”, “Mortuary Gate”, “Stigma”, “Home in Exile”, “Nnenda”, among others.

Duru married Adokiye in 2003 after the pair met while studying at the University of Port Harcourt. Their marriage produced four children. However, the family experienced a heartbreaking tragedy in August 2024 when their 15-year-old son, Ifeanyi, died.

In recognition of his positive impact on young people, Duru received the United Nations Ambassador of Peace award in 2007.

Three years later, he became the interim president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN). In the same year, the Africa Movie Academy Awards nominated him for Best Actor in a Supporting Role.