In a heartbreaking turn of events, Mubarak Zakari, the son of Nigeria’s former Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), has died just hours after his father’s passing.
The 34-year-old passed away in Abuja on Sunday, shortly after accompanying his father’s body to their hometown of Katsina for burial.
Mubarak’s death follows the loss of his father, Ambassador Ibrahim Zakari, who died in the early hours of Sunday at the age of 81.
Ambassador Zakari had an illustrious career, having served as the Director-General of the NIA from 1995 to 1998. He also held the position of Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in the early 1990s, and in 2011, he led Nigeria’s anti-terrorism efforts under former President Goodluck Jonathan.
Family sources have confirmed that Mubarak was in good health during the journey to Katsina, which began on Sunday afternoon after his father’s passing.
Mubarak accompanied his father’s body, along with other family members and mourners, on the solemn trip.
It was reported that Mubarak had a particularly close relationship with his father, a bond that seemed to have been emotionally overwhelming in the wake of the tragic loss.
As the family prepared for the burial of Ambassador Zakari, family members said Mubarak was visibly shaken by his father’s death. Sources claim that the emotional toll of the loss ultimately led to his sudden death.
“His father’s passing was too much for him to bear,” a family member told PRNigeria. “He was deeply affected, and we believe that is what led to his untimely demise.”
Mubarak’s sudden passing shocked those who knew him, and family members were left devastated by the tragic sequence of events.
The funeral for Mubarak was held the following day, on Monday, at the family’s residence in the Government Reserved Area (GRA) of Katsina.
In attendance were close family members and mourners who gathered to pay their respects to the two men.
Ambassador Ibrahim Zakari, despite his age, had been a respected figure in Nigeria’s intelligence and foreign relations sectors. His death marks the end of a notable career in Nigeria’s security and diplomatic circles.
During his tenure as the NIA’s Director-General, Ambassador Zakari played a crucial role in shaping the country’s intelligence community. His leadership helped guide Nigeria through a turbulent period in its history.
He was also recognized for his work in the fight against terrorism, especially in the context of Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts, which gained prominence in the early 2010s.
Mubarak’s untimely passing adds a layer of tragedy to an already sorrowful day for the Zakari family. He had been described as a devoted son, deeply attached to his father’s legacy.
