by Godwin Orozo-
The Zakari family has been plunged into deep mourning following the death of Mubarak Zakari, the youngest son of former Director-General of the Nigeria Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ambassador Ibrahim Zakari. Mubarak, aged 34, passed away just hours after his father’s demise.
Ambassador Zakari, who served as NIA DG from 1995 to 1998 and as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in the early 1990s, died on Sunday morning in Abuja at the age of 81. His remains were transported to Katsina for burial the same afternoon.
According to family sources, Mubarak had traveled to Katsina alongside other mourners, accompanying his father’s body for the funeral.
Witnesses reported that Mubarak appeared to be in good health during the journey and the burial ceremony. However, the overwhelming grief of losing his father, with whom he reportedly shared a close bond, took a severe emotional toll.
“The two were incredibly close,” a family member told reporters. “Mubarak was deeply affected by his father’s death. We believe the emotional strain may have contributed to his sudden passing.”
PRNigeria reported that Mubarak collapsed hours after the funeral and was later pronounced dead. His funeral prayer was held on Monday at the family residence in Katsina’s GRA.
The double tragedy has left the Zakari family and their community in shock. “This is a heartbreaking loss for the family and for all of us who knew them,” a friend of the family shared.
Ambassador Zakari’s contributions to Nigeria’s intelligence and foreign service, including leading the country’s anti-terrorism efforts during former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration in 2011, were widely respected.
The loss of both father and son within such a short span has drawn condolences from across the nation.
