In a heartbreaking turn of events, Mubarak Zakari, the youngest son of the late former Director-General of the Nigeria Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ambassador Ibrahim Zakari, passed away on Sunday evening, just hours after his father’s death. Mubarak, 34, was reported to have succumbed to heartbreak, leaving family and sympathisers in deep shock......See Full Story>>.....See Full Story>>
Ambassador Zakari, aged 81, passed away in the early hours of Sunday in Abuja. His remains were transported to his hometown of Katsina for burial later that afternoon. Mubarak, who was reportedly hale and hearty during the journey to Katsina, accompanied his father’s remains along with other family members and mourners. However, sources close to the family revealed that the emotional toll of his father’s passing overwhelmed Mubarak, leading to his sudden death a few hours after the burial.
The younger Zakari’s demise has plunged the family into further grief. Those close to the family described Mubarak as having a particularly close bond with his father, adding to the sorrow of his unexpected passing.
Funeral prayer for the son was held for the son on Monday at the family’s residence in GRA, Katsina
Ambassador Zakari was a towering figure in Nigeria’s intelligence and diplomatic circles. As the Director-General of the NIA from 1995 to 1998, he played a critical role in shaping Nigeria’s foreign intelligence operations. He also served as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in the early 1990s and headed the country’s anti-terrorism efforts during former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration in 2011.
A traditional titleholder, the late Ambassador was known as the Talban Katsina in the Katsina Emirate. His funeral, held at the Emir’s palace on Sunday, was attended by prominent dignitaries, including Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda, the Emir of Katsina, Alhaji Abdulmumuni Kabir Usman, and business mogul Dahiru Mangal. The burial took place at the Dantaku Cemetery around 4:45 p.m.
Beyond his professional achievements, Ambassador Zakari was a schoolmate of former President Muhammadu Buhari at Government College, Katsina, fostering lifelong ties with Nigeria’s elite. His passing marks the end of an era, leaving behind a legacy of service to the nation.
The sudden death of Mubarak, following so closely on the heels of his father’s demise, has left the Katsina community in disbelief. Friends, family, and well-wishers have continued to pour into the Zakari family residence to offer condolences and prayers.
As the Zakari family endures this unprecedented double tragedy, the nation joins them in mourning the loss of a father and son within such a short span. The dual loss has underscored the fragility of life and the profound impact of grief.