The burial of renowned Nigerian businessman Alhaji Aminu Dantata has been moved to Tuesday, July 1, following a delay in documentation required by Saudi authorities. Dantata died on Saturday, June 28, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, and was scheduled to be laid to rest in Medina, Saudi Arabia, on Monday, June 30.
Nigeria’s Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, explained to BBC Hausa that the delay was caused by the late arrival of the body in Medina and the time needed to complete official burial procedures set by Saudi Arabia. The minister confirmed that both the family and the Nigerian embassy are working closely with Saudi officials to finalize the necessary paperwork.
Dantata, who had requested in his will to be buried in Medina, received permission from the Saudi government before his death. Arrangements for the burial have already been completed, and the remains will be flown in as soon as clearance is granted.
Ahead of the burial, the Kano State Council of Ulama offered Salatul Gaib, a funeral prayer performed in the absence of the deceased. A high-level Nigerian delegation, led by Minister of Defence Badaru Abubakar, is already in Medina. Other dignitaries present include the Governor of Kano, Abba Kabir Yusuf; the Jigawa State Governor, Umar Namadi; and the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II.
