Former Kogi Governor Ibrahim Idris Dies In UK At 77

Former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, has reportedly died in the United Kingdom at the age of 77.

Sources familiar with the development, who spoke with LEADERSHIP, confirmed the news, although details surrounding his reported death were still sketchy as of press time.

The sources further said the remains of the former governor may arrive in the country  this week  for burial in his ancentral home ,  Abejukolo, Omala local government area of the state .

Idris served as governor of Kogi State on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from 2003 to 2012.

He was first elected governor in 2003 after defeating the then incumbent, Prince Abubakar Audu.

He was re-elected in 2007, but the election was later nullified following a legal challenge over the exclusion of Audu from the poll.

The Court of Appeal upheld the judgment in February 2008 and ordered a fresh election.

Idris contested the March 2008 re-run and was returned as governor, although his victory was again challenged by Audu.

He eventually completed his tenure in January 2012 and was succeeded by Captain Idris Wada.

Born in 1949 in Idah, Kogi State, Idris was a businessman before venturing into 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 attracted national attention in 2006 when three of his daughters survived the ADC Airlines Flight 53 crash, which claimed several lives.

In April 2024, the former governor suffered another major family loss when his son, Mohammed Ibrahim Idris, a former member of the House of Representatives representing Ankpa/Olamaboro/Omala Federal Constituency of Kogi State, died in Abuja.

As of press time, there was no official statement from the family or the Kogi State Government confirming the reported death.