LOKOJA, Nigeria — Former Kogi State Governor Ibrahim Idris has died in the United Kingdom at the age of 77, according to reports confirmed by family sources.
Idris, who governed Kogi State from 2003 to 2012, died on Sunday, September 20, 2026.
The cause of death had not been officially disclosed as of Sunday, while further details about his burial arrangements were still being awaited.
Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo has declared three days of mourning in honour of the former governor and directed that the national and Kogi State flags be flown at half-mast at government offices and designated public institutions across the state.
Ododo also announced that Idris would receive a state burial, with the state government taking responsibility for the burial arrangements and expenses.
In a condolence message, Ododo described Idris’ death as a loss to Kogi State and Nigeria, recalling his years in public service.
“His years in public office formed an important chapter in the political and developmental journey of Kogi State,” Ododo said.
Idris was born in 1949 in Idah, Kogi State. He had his early education in Onitsha, Anambra State, before completing his primary education in Kano.
He later attended King’s Commercial College in Buguma, Rivers State, and obtained a law degree from the University of Abuja.
Before entering politics, Idris was a businessman and founded Ibro Trading Company, with interests including construction, furniture manufacturing and hospitality.
He was elected governor of Kogi State in 2003 on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party.
Following a legal dispute over the 2007 governorship election, Idris returned to office after winning a March 2008 re-run election.
He remained governor until January 2012, when he was succeeded by Captain Idris Wada.
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