Former Kogi Governor Ibrahim Idris Dies at 77 in UK

Former Kogi State Governor Ibrahim Idris has died at the age of 77. Idris reportedly died in the United Kingdom on Sunday, September 20, 2026. His death was subsequently followed by visits from Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, former governor Yahaya Bello and other government officials to his residence in Abuja to condole with his family. The Kogi State Government has confirmed his death and declared three days of mourning across the state. Governor Ododo also directed that the Nigerian and Kogi State flags be flown at half-mast at government institutions during the mourning period. The state government further announced that Idris would receive a state burial, with the Kogi State Government taking responsibility for the burial arrangements and expenses. Ibrahim Idris' Political Career Idris was elected governor of Kogi State in 2003 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Following a legal challenge to the 2007 governorship election, he returned to office after winning a rerun election in 2008 and remained governor until January 2012. He was succeeded by Captain Idris Wada. Before entering politics, Idris was a businessman and founded Ibro Trading Company, with interests including construction, furniture manufacturing and hospitality. He later studied Law at the University of Abuja. Leaders Mourn Former Governor President Bola Tinubu has also expressed condolences over Idris' death, describing the former governor as a committed public servant whose years in office formed an important chapter in Kogi State's political and developmental history. Other political figures and officials have also paid tribute to the former governor following news of his death. The circumstances and cause of death have not been officially disclosed. Source: GistReel, independently corroborated by the Kogi State Government, Channels Television, Punch and Voice of Nigeria.