Former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, has died in the United Kingdom at the age of 77.
Idris reportedly died on Sunday, September 20, 2026.
The development was followed by visits to his Abuja residence by Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, former Governor Yahaya Bello, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs Abdullahi Bello and other government officials, who went to sympathise with members of his family.
Idris governed Kogi State for two terms between 2003 and 2012.
He first assumed office on May 29, 2003, after defeating the then incumbent governor, Prince Abubakar Audu, in the governorship election.
He secured another term in the 2007 election, but the result was later cancelled after a legal challenge linked to the exclusion of Audu, who contested under the All Nigeria Peoples Party.
The Court of Appeal upheld the decision in February 2008 and ordered another election to be conducted.
Idris took part in the March 2008 re-run election and was declared the winner.
His victory was also challenged by Audu, who alleged that the exercise was affected by irregularities.
He remained in office until January 2012, when he handed over to Idris Wada, who succeeded him as governor.
Born in 1949 in Idah, Kogi State, Idris had his early education in Onitsha, Anambra State, before continuing in Kano.
He later attended King’s Commercial College in Buguma, Rivers State, and obtained a bachelor’s degree from the University of Abuja.
Before entering politics, Idris was involved in business.
He founded Ibro Trading Company, which operated in areas including construction, furniture production and hospitality.
His business interests also included a furniture factory in Sokoto and the Ibro Hotel, which was listed in biographical accounts as a three-star hotel in the former Sokoto State.
The former governor also came into the national spotlight in 2006 after three of his daughters survived the ADC Airlines Flight 53 crash.
The incident claimed several lives and became one of the notable aviation disasters in Nigeria at the time.
Idris later called for thanksgiving after his daughters survived the crash.
His family suffered another loss in April 2024 when his son, Mohammed Ibrahim Idris, died in Abuja shortly after Eid-el-Fitr prayers.
Mohammed was a former member of the House of Representatives who represented Ankpa, Olamaboro and Omala Federal Constituency of Kogi State.
