By Charles Pemu 
Kano State– A funeral prayer in absentia (Salatul Ga’ib) was held today, Saturday 28th of June, 2025. in Kano for the late Nigerian business magnate and philanthropist, Alhaji Aminu Dantata, who passed away in Dubai on Friday 27th of June, 2025. at the age of 94.
The solemn prayer, which took place at the Umar Bin Khattab Mosque in the Kano metropolis, was led by Sheikh Ibrahim Khalil, Chairman of the Kano State Council of Ulamas. Thousands of mourners, including high-profile dignitaries such as the Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, attended to pay their final respects.
Speaking after the prayer, Sheikh Khalil explained that Salatul Ga’ib is observed for Muslims who die in foreign lands where traditional funeral rites may not be possible. He praised the late Dantata as a devout Muslim and selfless leader who dedicated his life to serving humanity with humility.
Alhaji Aminu Dantata, a titan in Nigeria’s private sector, was instrumental in transforming his family’s legacy into a business empire with investments spanning construction, finance, agriculture, oil and gas, and manufacturing. His philanthropic legacy lives on through extensive donations to schools, hospitals, mosques, and social welfare centres, especially in Northern Nigeria.
He is expected to be laid to rest in Madina, Saudi Arabia, in line with the family’s burial arrangements.