Francis Duru’s Family Announces Funeral Arrangements

The family of late Nollywood actor Francis Duru has announced plans for his burial, with funeral activities scheduled to take place in Abuja and his hometown in Imo State.

The funeral arrangements were made public on Monday through the actor’s official Instagram page, detailing the dates and venues for the services of songs, burial and interment.

According to the announcement, the first service of songs will hold on Wednesday, November 25, at the Family Worship Centre, Idris Gidado Street, Wuye, Abuja. The service is scheduled to begin at 5pm.

A second service of songs will take place on Thursday, December 10, at the late actor’s family compound in Okai, Eziama, Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State.

The funeral announcement was signed by his son, Ebuka Duru, and his sister, Anthonia Chenyi, on behalf of the family.

In the statement, the family described the late actor as a beloved husband, father, brother, uncle and friend, while celebrating the legacy he left behind.

The statement read, “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 family also expressed gratitude to relatives, friends, colleagues and well-wishers who have supported them since his death.

They acknowledged the love, prayers, phone calls, messages and other forms of assistance received during the difficult period, describing the support as a great source of strength.

Francis Duru died on October 23, 2026, at the age of 57, following a brief illness.

Born in Cameroon to Nigerian parents from Imo State, the actor began his acting career in 1989 when he featured in the movie Missing Mark.

He rose to prominence in 1995 after playing the role of Ahanna in Amaka Igwe’s popular movie Rattlesnake, one of the notable productions of Nollywood’s early years.

Throughout his acting career, Duru featured in several successful productions, including Blood Money, Nnenda, Stigma, Home in Exile and Merry Men: The Real Yoruba Demons.

Apart from his contributions to the film industry, he also served as interim president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria in 2010.

In 2020, he received the Best Actor in a Leading Role (Igbo) award at the Best of Nollywood Awards for his outstanding performance in the movie Mboputa.

His death has continued to attract tributes from family members, colleagues and other members of the entertainment industry, who have celebrated his contributions to Nollywood.

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