Saudi breaks silence on Dantata’s wish to be buried in Madinah beside his wife

By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh

Saudi authorities have granted permission for the burial of renowned Kano-born business magnate and philanthropist, Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata, in Madinah, Saudi Arabia, on Monday, fulfilling his heartfelt wish to be laid to rest beside his late wife’s grave.

The confirmation came from Mustapha Abdullahi Junaidu, Dantata’s secretary, in a verified Facebook post.

“Praise be to God, Praise be to God, Praise be to God. Approval has been obtained to transport Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata from Abu Dhabi to Saudi Arabia, Madinah, for burial,” Mustapha wrote, adding that the burial is scheduled for Monday morning, by the grace of God.

Dantata, who passed away at the age of 94 in the early hours of Saturday in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, was a towering figure in Nigerian business and philanthropy.

Family sources revealed that his desire to be buried in Madinah alongside his late wife was a deeply personal request, reflecting his devotion and legacy.

In Kano, a funeral prayer in absentia was held last Friday at the Umar Bin Katya Mosque, led by Sheikh Ibrahim Khalil, Chairman of the Kano Council of Ulama.

The prayer gathered community members to honour Dantata’s contributions to society, which included significant charitable work and economic development in northern Nigeria.

The approval for the Madinah burial marks the final chapter for a man whose life was defined by generosity and impact.