Business mogul and philantrophist Aminu Dantata, is set to be buried tomorrow (Tuesday) in Medina, Saudi Arabia after he died on Saturday in the United Arab Emirates.

Sources closed to the family disclosed that it was Dantata’s wish to be buried in a city he adored and where Islam’s prophet Muhammad lived and died.

Dantata, 94, an uncle of Africa’s richest man Aliko Dangote, is survived by three wives, 21 children and 121 grandchildren.

His body was set to be transferred from Abu Dhabi, where he died, to the holy city of Medina after Saudi authorities approved his burial in their country.

Background and Wealth

He was known across Nigeria for his philanthropic activities.

Last year, he donated 1.5 billion naira ($972,000; £710,000) to victims of the devastating floods in north-eastern Borno state.

His business interests cut across agriculture, real estate, construction and manufacturing.

He first made his name in agriculture, starting trading kola nuts and groundnuts in the 1940s.

He came from a business family – his father Alhassan Dantata was once considered to be the richest man in West Africa.

Despite his riches, Dantata lived in one of the poorest areas of the northern city of Kano, like his parents before him.

His influence was also felt in politics, with politicians eager to seek his blessings before elections.

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested an ex-international football player, Segun George Hunkarin, along with his business partner Ntoruka Emmanuel Chinedu, over an attempt to smuggle a consignment of cocaine into Nigeria through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport,(MMIA) Ikeja, Lagos.

Chinedu, a frequent flyer known for transporting clothes from Turkey to Nigeria and foodstuffs from Nigeria to Turkey, was the first to be arrested upon his arrival at the Lagos airport on Tuesday, 24th June 2025.

Spokesman of the agency, Femi Babafemi, said, “A search of his carry-on bag revealed 37 wraps of cocaine weighing 800 grams were concealed therein.

“Investigation showed that the suspect was coming from Turkey on an Ethiopian Airlines flight but transited through Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where he collected the luggage from another person before heading to Nigeria.

Further checks revealed that an accomplice, who turned out to be the former professional footballer Segun Hunkarin, was waiting for Chinedu at the airport carpark to collect the consignment from him.

“Hunkarin, who had stayed years in Brazil playing for football clubs, was promptly tracked and arrested at the carpark.“

In his statement, Hunkarin claimed that while playing professional football in the South American country, he had only trafficked drugs twice from Brazil to Ethiopia but had never brought any to Nigeria.

Governor Ododo regarded the deceased statesman as “a model of purpose-driven leadership, quiet but impactful influence, and deep-rooted patriotism.”

The Government and people of Kogi State have expressed deep sorrow over the death of renowned business mogul and elder statesman, Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata, describing his death as a monumental loss to Nigeria.

In an official condolence message issued on behalf of the Government and people of Kogi State, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, said the late Dantata was “not just a successful businessman, but an institution whose name symbolized integrity, generosity, and an unwavering commitment to national progress.

”The statement noted that Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo received the news of Dantata’s death with a heavy heart, and extended sincere condolences to the Dantata family, the Government and people of Kano State, the business community, and the nation at large.

“Alhaji Aminu Dantata was a man whose legacy transcends material wealth.

He built businesses that empowered thousands, established schools and hospitals that uplifted the vulnerable, and gave to causes that touched countless lives,” the statement read.

Governor Ododo regarded the deceased statesman as “a model of purpose-driven leadership, quiet but impactful influence, and deep-rooted patriotism.”

“Nigeria has lost a rare gem, a man who bridged generations and regions, and who dedicated his life to building a stronger, more united nation,” the statement added.

The Government of Kogi State prayed for the repose of Dantata’s soul, asking Almighty Allah (SWT) to grant him Aljannatul Firdaus and to comfort his family and loved ones.

Alhaji Aminu Dantata passed away on June 28, 2025, at the age of 94.