Funeral prayer in absentia, known as Salatul Ga’ib, was held on Saturday in Kano for the late business icon, Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata, who passed away on Friday in Dubai at the age of 94.
The prayer, which took place at the Umar Bin Khattab Mosque in Kano metropolis, was led by Sheikh Ibrahim Khalil, the Chairman of the Kano State Council of Ulamas.
Thousands of sympathisers, including prominent political figures, religious leaders and business associates, gathered to honour the memory of the deceased, whose life was described as one of devotion, humility and service to humanity.
Speaking after the prayer, Sheikh Khalil explained that Salatul Ga’ib is observed for Muslims who die outside their home country or in places where funeral rites cannot be conducted.
He described the late Dantata as a devout Muslim, respected philanthropist and dedicated community leader, whose contributions to the growth of Nigeria’s economy and society remain immeasurable.
“Alhaji Aminu Dantata was a blessing to our people. His impact in business, charity and leadership will not be forgotten,” Khalil stated.
The late patriarch, regarded as a towering figure in Nigeria’s private sector, expanded his family’s legacy into a diversified conglomerate with interests in construction, manufacturing, oil and gas, agriculture, and finance.
Dantata was equally renowned for his philanthropic works, having funded schools, hospitals, mosques and welfare centres across Northern Nigeria, both through his foundation and personal initiatives.
According to family arrangements, he is expected to be buried in Madina, Saudi Arabia, where preparations are ongoing to lay him to rest.
His death has continued to attract tributes from across Nigeria, with many describing him as a symbol of humility, enterprise and generosity.
