The family of late veteran Nollywood actor Chief Francis Duru has released the official funeral programme detailing his final rites, confirming that the screen icon will be laid to rest on Friday, December 11, 2026, in his hometown in Imo State.
The official release comes following a period of confusion generated by unauthorised flyers circulating on social media, which forced the family to issue a public disclaimer urging fans and colleagues to rely strictly on official family updates.
According to the official funeral schedule released by the family, the commemorative events will commence with a Service of Songs and Tributes in Abuja on Wednesday, November 25, 2026, at 5:00 PM at the Family Worship Centre along Idris Gidado Street, Wuye, Abuja.
The rites will then move to his home state of Imo, starting with a second Service of Songs and Tributes on Thursday, December 10, 2026, at the Late Pa Theophilus Ogide Duru family compound located in Okai, Eziama, Isiala Mbano Local Government Area.
The final funeral service and interment will hold on Friday, December 11, 2026, at Okai, Eziama, Isiala Mbano, Imo State.
The statement noted that additional state-level tribute events and Service of Songs sessions are being coordinated across various regional branches by key industry bodies, including the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Directors Guild of Nigeria (DGN), and Crabites (University of Port Harcourt Theatre Arts Alumni Network). Members of the public and guild representatives seeking further coordination have been directed to contact veteran filmmaker Ejike Asiegbu and Ogechi Ekpe (Baby Oge).
Born July 27, 1967, Chief Francis Duru passed away on October 22, 2026, leaving behind a monumental legacy that shaped contemporary Nigerian television and cinema over a three-decade career.
