Emir of Zuru, Muhammadu Sani Sami, passes away at 81

The Emir of Zuru in Kebbi State, retired Major-General Muhammadu Sani Sami, has passed away at the age of 81. The respected monarch died on Saturday night while receiving medical treatment at a hospital in London.

His death was officially confirmed in a statement released by Alhaji Ahmed Idris, Chief Press Secretary to the Kebbi State Governor. The announcement, quoting the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Garba Umar-Dutsinmari, described the Emir’s passing as a great loss to the state and the traditional institution.

“The Kebbi Government is using this medium to extend its heartfelt condolences to his immediate family members, Zuru Emirate Council, Zuru people and the entire people of Kebbi.May the Almighty Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him Jannatul Firdaus,” the commissioner said.

Umar-Dutsinmari added that details of the burial arrangements will be released later.

Before ascending the throne in 1995, the late emir had a distinguished military career. He enlisted in the Nigerian Army on December 10, 1962, trained at the Mons Officer Cadet School in Aldershot, England, and was commissioned on July 25, 1963. Rising through the ranks to the position of Major-General, he served as Military Administrator of Bauchi State (1984–1985), Officer at the Nigerian Army School of Infantry (1985–1987), Commanding Officer of the 82nd Division, and later as General Officer Commanding 1 Mechanised Division (1988).