Kano holds funeral prayer in absentia for late business icon, Aminu Dantata

A funeral prayer in absentia (Salatul Ga’ib) was observed on Saturday in Kano for the prominent businessman, Alhaji Aminu Dantata, who passed away in Dubai on Friday at the age of 94.

The prayer session took place at the Umar Bin Khattab Mosque, located in the heart of Kano, and was led by Sheikh Ibrahim Khalil, Chairman of the Kano State Council of Ulamas.

Thousands of mourners gathered to pay their respects, including high-profile individuals such as the Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin.

Following the prayer, Sheikh Khalil explained the significance of the rite: “Salatul Ga’ib is observed for Muslims who die outside their home country or in places where funeral rites cannot be performed.”

He described Alhaji Dantata as “a devout Muslim, philanthropist, and community leader who lived a life of service and humility.”

Dantata was a towering figure in Nigeria’s private sector, known for growing his family’s business interests into a sprawling conglomerate involved in construction, agriculture, manufacturing, finance, and oil and gas.

Beyond his commercial achievements, he was deeply involved in charitable work, supporting the development of schools, mosques, hospitals, and welfare programs across Northern Nigeria through both his foundation and personal efforts.

The late business mogul was expected to be buried in Madina, Saudi Arabia, in accordance with family arrangements.