Francis Duru to be buried in Imo on December 11, family announces
- The family of actor Francis Duru has released the schedule for his funeral in Abuja and Imo State.
- A service of songs holds in Abuja on November 25, with a second in Imo on December 10.
- The family also warned fans to ignore fake burial flyers circulating online.
The family of Nollywood actor Francis Duru has made public the timetable for his funeral, with events planned in Abuja and in his home area of Imo State.
The details were shared on the actor's official Instagram page on Monday, in a notice the family titled "Forever in our hearts." It was signed by his first son, Ebuka Duru, and his sister, Anthonia Chenyi (née Duru).
Duru died on October 22, 2026, at the age of 59, after an illness the family has not named.
Where and when the ceremonies will hold
The first service of songs and tributes will take place in Abuja on Wednesday, November 25, 2026, starting at 5pm at Family Worship Centre, Idris Gidado Street, Wuye.
A second service of songs follows in Imo State on Thursday, December 10, 2026, at the family compound of the late Pa Theophilus Ogide Duru in Okai, Eziama, Isiala Mbano.
The funeral and interment will be held at the same Imo location on Friday, December 11, 2026.
The family said other service of songs are being arranged by branch bodies and associations in different states, though it did not give dates for those.
In the notice, the family invited relatives, friends, colleagues and well-wishers to attend, describing the ceremonies as a chance to celebrate the life of "a cherished husband, father, brother, uncle and friend."
They also thanked the public for the calls, messages and prayers that followed news of his death, saying the support had strengthened them.
Family warns against fake flyers
The announcement comes after the family raised alarm over unauthorised burial flyers and rumours spreading online.
In an earlier statement posted on Saturday, October 31, 2026, and signed by Ebuka Duru, Onyekachi Duru and Anthonia Chenyi, the family asked the public to disregard any funeral details not published on the actor's verified Instagram page.
"Kindly disregard all unauthorized flyers and rumors circulating regarding the funeral arrangements for Chief Francis Duru," the statement read, adding that official updates would come only from that page.
Duru was one of Nollywood's best-known faces from the 1990s and early 2000s, and tributes have poured in from fans and colleagues since his death.
What happens next: Fans who want to pay their respects can attend the Abuja service on November 25 or travel to Isiala Mbano for the Imo ceremonies in December. The family has asked everyone to confirm details only through the actor's official Instagram page.
