- Dantata: Delayed Approval By Saudi Authorities Halts Burial Plans
- Dantata burial violates Islamic injunctions
The family of the late Nigerian businessman and philanthropist, Aminu Dantata, has disclosed that plans to bury him in Madina, Saudi Arabia, have been delayed due to challenges in obtaining necessary approvals from Saudi authorities.
Mustapha Abdullahi Junaidu, the secretary to the late Dantata, told journalists that the delay stems from the Saudi government offices being closed over the weekend, making it difficult to process the required documentation promptly.
“Islamic tradition demands that the dead be buried as soon as possible,” Junaidu stated. “However, we are working diligently to ensure his final wish of being buried in Madina is fulfilled. The authorities in Saudi Arabia do not work during weekends, and this has made things difficult. The Nigerian Presidency is also assisting us, and we hope everything will be resolved soon.”
He added that if the delay becomes prolonged, the family may be forced to repatriate the body to Kano for burial in accordance with Islamic rites.
Aminu Dantata passed away on Friday night in Abu Dhabi. A funeral prayer in absentia was held for him in Kano on Saturday afternoon.