The family of late Nollywood actor Francis Duru has announced the dates for his funeral, with burial and interment scheduled for Friday, December 11, 2026, at the family compound in Okai, Eziama, Isiala Mbano, Imo State.
The details were shared on the actor’s Instagram page on Monday, November 2, 2026, in a statement signed by his sister, Anthonia Chenyi, and his first son, Ebuka Duru. A service of songs will first hold in Abuja on Wednesday, November 25, at 5:00 p.m. at Family Worship Center, Idris Gidado Street, Wuye. A second service of songs follows on Thursday, December 10, at the late Pa Theophilus Ogide Duru’s Family Compound in Okai, Eziama, Isiala Mbano, ahead of the interment the next day.
The family described him as a cherished husband, father, brother, uncle and friend.
“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,” the statement read.
They also thanked those who had reached out since his death.
“The kindness, love, prayers, calls, messages and support extended to our family throughout this difficult time have been a great source of strength. We are sincerely grateful to everyone who has stood with us.”
Duru died following a brief illness. His family announced the news early on Friday, October 23, 2026, on his Instagram page. He was born on July 27, 1969, in Cameroon to Nigerian parents from Imo State.
Months earlier, in June 2026, Duru had dismissed viral clips that made him look frail and insisted he was not seriously ill. The family later warned the public against unauthorised burial flyers and false claims about his origin, directing people to trust only official updates on his verified pages.
He is survived by his wife, Adokiye Duru, whom he married in 2003, and their children. The family lost their 15-year-old son, Ifeanyi, in August 2024. Duru built a career of more than three decades, rising to wider notice as Ahanna in the 1995 film Rattlesnake and later serving as interim president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria. Colleagues and the guild have already paid tribute to him as a steady and versatile presence on stage and screen.