According to a statement attributed to his family and reportedly shared on his official Instagram page in the early hours of Friday, October 23, 2026, the actor died after a brief illness.
The family expressed appreciation to fans, colleagues and well-wishers for their prayers, love and support during the difficult period.
“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.
Duru, who was born on July 27, 1969, was widely celebrated for his versatility, compelling performances and contributions to the growth of Nollywood.
He rose to prominence through his portrayal of Ahanna in the 1995 Nollywood classic Rattlesnake, produced by the late renowned filmmaker Amaka Igwe. The role helped establish him as one of the recognisable faces of Nigeria’s emerging film industry.
Born in Cameroon to Nigerian parents from Imo State, Duru completed his primary and secondary education in Cameroon before relocating to Nigeria to pursue higher education.
He studied Theatre Arts at the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1996.
His acting journey began in 1989 with his debut appearance in Missing Mark, directed by the late Ndubuisi Oko.
Over the years, Duru built an impressive career, featuring in numerous productions, including Blood Money (1997), Stigma (2013) and Mboputa (2020).
His contributions to the entertainment industry earned him several recognitions, including the Best Actor in a Leading Role (Igbo) award at the 2020 Best of Nollywood Awards for his performance in Mboputa.
In 2007, he was also honoured with a United Nations Ambassador of Peace award in recognition of his influence on young people.
Beyond acting, Duru played leadership roles within the Nigerian entertainment industry, serving as interim president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria in 2010.
That same year, he received a nomination for Best Actor in a Supporting Role at the Africa Movie Academy Awards.
The reported death comes months after the actor publicly dismissed claims that he was battling a life-threatening illness.
In June 2026, Duru had responded to a video circulating on social media about his health, describing the claims as false and criticising those responsible for spreading the footage.
He is survived by his wife, Adokiye, and their children.
His decades-long career leaves a significant legacy in Nigerian cinema, particularly among audiences who followed Nollywood’s development from its early years.
The National President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Abubakar Yakubu, has also confirmed the actor’s death, paying tribute to him as a distinguished performer.
