Professor Abubakar Mohammed El-Jummah, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology at the Nigerian Army University, Biu, Borno State, has died while in the custody of Boko Haram militants, nearly a year after his abduction.
Professor El-Jummah was kidnapped on March 3, 2025, along the Damaturu–Buni Yadi–Biu road. Reports indicate that he fell ill and passed away while still held by the insurgents. His family in Maiduguri was informed of his death on Wednesday.
A funeral prayer in absentia (Salatul Ga’ib) was performed on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at the Ngomari Old Airport Juma’at Mosque, close to his residence in Maiduguri. The ceremony drew sympathizers, colleagues, academics, and friends of the late professor.
A family member, speaking anonymously, said, “The late professor had been in Boko Haram captivity from March 2, 2025, until his death. May Allah forgive him and grant him mercy.” The source did not provide details regarding any ransom demands.
