A funeral prayer in absentia (Salatul Ga’ib) was held on Saturday in Kano for late Nigerian business tycoon, Alhaji Aminu Dantata, who passed away in Dubai on Friday at the age of 94.
The solemn prayer session took place at the Umar Bin Khattab Mosque in the Kano metropolis and was led by Sheikh Ibrahim Khalil, who chairs the Kano State Council of Ulamas, according to a report by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
Thousands gathered for the prayer, including dignitaries such as the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, to pay tribute to the late industrialist.
After the prayer, Sheikh Khalil explained the significance of the ritual, stating:
“Salatul Ga’ib is observed for Muslims who die outside their home country or in places where funeral rites cannot be performed.”
He went on to reflect on the character and contributions of the deceased:
He described the late Dantata as a devout Muslim, philanthropist, and community leader who lived a life of service and humility.
Aminu Dantata was a towering figure in Nigeria’s private sector, having expanded his family’s legacy into a wide-reaching business empire that included interests in construction, finance, manufacturing, agriculture, and oil and gas.
Known for his generosity, Dantata was deeply committed to philanthropy.
He supported numerous educational, medical, and religious institutions across Northern Nigeria through both his foundation and personal efforts.
According to NAN, “he is expected to be buried in Madina, Saudi Arabia, in accordance with family arrangements.”
