Veteran Nollywood actor Francis Duru has died at the age of 57 following a brief illness.
His family announced his death in a statement published on his official Instagram page in the early hours of Friday, expressing gratitude to fans and well-wishers for their support and prayers.
“We, the family of Francis Duru, regret to announce his passing following a brief illness.
“We appreciate your prayers, love, and understanding. May his soul rest in perfect peace. Amen,” the statement read.
The actor’s death comes months after he dismissed reports that he was battling a life-threatening illness.
In June, concerns about his health emerged after a video showing him looking frail circulated on social media, prompting reactions from fans and colleagues in the entertainment industry.
Responding to the speculation, Duru released a video on Instagram in which he described the footage as “fabricated and malicious”.
Born on July 27, 1969, in Cameroon to Nigerian parents from Imo State, Duru completed his primary and secondary education in Cameroon before relocating to Nigeria for university studies.
