Senior officials receive the remains of Ambassador Mohammed Lele at the Abuja airport ahead of his burial in Kano.
Nigeria’s diplomatic community is mourning Ambassador Mohammed Lele, who died in the early hours of April 19, 2026, in Ankara, Türkiye.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs Nigeria confirmed his death in a statement issued by its spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, stating that he died after a prolonged illness.
Ambassador Lele aged 50, served as Director in charge of the Middle East and Gulf Division of the ministry until his death.
President Bola Tinubu had appointed him Ambassador-Designate to Algeria, and the Senate had already confirmed his nomination.
Lele was born in 1976 in Gamawa, Bauchi State. He studied Economics at Bayero University Kano before he joined the Nigerian Foreign Service in 2001.
During his career, he served in Nigeria’s diplomatic missions in Berlin, Lomé, and Riyadh. He built a reputation for strong policy insight and commitment to national service.
The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dunoma Umar Ahmed, led senior officials to receive his remains at the International Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
The Permanent Secretary described him as diligent and professional, adding that his contributions to Nigeria’s foreign service will endure.
Family members and colleagues buried Ambassador Lele on April 22, 2026, in Kano in line with Islamic rites.
The ministry extended condolences to his family and colleagues and prayed for the repose of his soul.
About The Author
