Former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, has died in the United Kingdom at the age of 77.
Idris reportedly died on Sunday, September 20, 2026. While early reports said details surrounding his death were still unclear, Legit.ng reported that a Kogi PDP chieftain, Michael Idoko, confirmed the development. Blueprint also reported that family sources said the former governor had suffered a prolonged illness.
Born in 1949 in Idah, Kogi State, Idris began his career in business before entering politics. He founded Ibro Trading Company, with interests in construction, furniture manufacturing and hospitality. He also established a furniture factory in Sokoto and the Ibro Hotel.
Idris became governor of Kogi State in 2003 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), defeating the incumbent, Prince Abubakar Audu. He was re-elected in 2007, but that election was later nullified following a legal challenge. A fresh election was held in March 2008, which Idris won, allowing him to return to office.
He remained governor until January 2012, when he was succeeded by his brother-in-law, Captain Idris Wada.
The former governor also attracted national attention in 2006 when three of his daughters survived the ADC Airlines Flight 53 crash, which claimed many lives. Idris described their survival as a great act of mercy from God and called for thanksgiving.
In another family tragedy, his son, Mohammed Ibrahim Idris, a former member of the House of Representatives, died in April 2024 shortly after observing Eid-el-Fitr prayers in Abuja.
The death of Ibrahim Idris marks the passing of a former governor who spent nearly a decade at the helm of Kogi State and was also known for his business activities before and after his political career.
Note: Reports on the circumstances of his death were still developing as of September 20, 2026.
