The family of late Nollywood actor Francis Duru has finally announced how the man many Nigerians remember as Ahanna from Rattlesnake will be laid to rest. According to a statement on his Instagram page on Monday, November 2, 2026, the actor will be buried on Friday, December 11, 2026, in his hometown in Imo State.
The farewell will run across two locations. Mourners in the Federal Capital Territory get the first opportunity with a service of songs in Abuja on Wednesday, November 25, while a second service of songs and the interment itself will take place in Imo State in December.
Who signed the statement
Pulse Nigeria, The Whistler, Naija News and Tori.ng all report that the announcement carried the signatures of two people: Ebuka Duru, described as the actor's first son, and his sister, Anthonia Chenyi. The Whistler noted that the post went up on the actor's verified Instagram account, which appears under the handle @francis.duru.
In the statement, the family paid tribute to him as a beloved husband, father, brother, uncle and friend, and opened with a short, emotional line about his legacy: "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 thanked those who had stood by them in the weeks since his passing. As quoted by Naija News, the statement said: "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."
It went on to open the events to the public: "We invite family, friends, associates, colleagues and well-wishers to join us as we come together to pay tribute to Chief Francis Duru, honour his remarkable life of love and celebrate his legacy."
The full schedule
According to the family, the Abuja event holds at 5 p.m. on November 25 in Wuye, at Family Worship Centre, which sits on Idris Gidado Street. Leadership described it as a Service of Songs and Tributes.
The scene then shifts to Imo. On Thursday, December 10, a second service of songs is billed for the compound belonging to the late Pa Theophilus Ogide Duru, located in Okai, Eziama, in Isiala Mbano. The funeral and interment are set for the next day, Friday, December 11, at that same compound.
Naija News published the schedule lines as they appeared in the statement: "Service of songs in Abuja on Wednesday, 25th November 2026 by 5:00 PM at Family Worship Center, Idris Gidado Street, Wuye."
The statement continued: "Service of songs in Imo State on Thursday, 10th December 2026 at the late Pa Theophilus Ogide Duru’s Family Compound, Okai, Eziama, Isiala Mbano. Followed by funeral and interment on Friday, 11th December 2026 at Okai, Eziama, Isiala Mbano."
