Nigeria’s ambassador-designate dies in Turkey after ‘protracted illness’

Mohammed Lele, Nigeria’s ambassador-designate to Algeria, is dead.

President Bola Tinubu recently named Lele as Nigeria’s envoy to Algeria as part of a broad ambassadorial appointment.

In a statement on Wednesday, Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the federal ministry of foreign affairs, said Lele died in the early hours of Sunday, April 19, in Ankara, Turkey, “after a protracted illness”.

Ebienfa said until his death, the career diplomat was the director in charge of the Middle East and Gulf division at the ministry.

“Born in Gamawa, in Gamawa Local Government Area of Bauchi State, in 1976, he was a graduate of Economics from Bayero University, Kano, and joined the Nigerian Foreign Service in the year 2001,” the statement reads.

“He was also privileged to serve in Nigerian Missions in Berlin, Germany; Lome, Togo; and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

“During his enviable career, Ambassador Lele was known for his intellectual depth, strategic insight, and commitment to the advancement of Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives.

“Therefore, his sudden demise is a monumental loss not only to his immediate family but also to the entire Foreign Service community and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

He said Dunoma Ahmed, the permanent secretary at the ministry, personally received the remains of the late ambassador at the international wing of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, with directors from the ministry on Tuesday upon arrival from Istanbul, Turkey.

According to Ebienfa, Ahmed described Lele as a hard-working, humble and fine officer who will be sorely missed by the ministry.

“Ambassador Mohammed Mahmud Lele was buried today, 22nd April, 2026, according to Islamic rites in Kano, Kano State,” he added. Thecable