By Mary Izuaka

 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced the passing of Ambassador Mohammed Lele.

The spokesperson to the ministry, Kimiebi Ebienfa, in a statement on Wednesday, said Mr Lele died in the early hours of 19th April 2026 in Ankara, Türkiye.

According to the statement, the late Ambassador Lele, until his death after a protracted illness, was the director in charge of the Middle East and Gulf Division in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Ambassador Lele, a Career Diplomat, was recently appointed by President Bola Tinubu as Ambassador-Designate to the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, following the Nigerian Senate’s confirmation of his nomination.

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 2001.

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He was a dedicated, meticulous, and exemplary diplomat who served the nation with steadfast loyalty and distinction. He was also privileged to serve in Nigerian Missions in Berlin, Germany; Lome, Togo; and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

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

The statement said Mr Lele was buried today, 22nd April, 2026, according to Islamic rites in Kano, Kano State.

“The ministry extends its heartfelt condolences to his immediate family, friends, associates and the government and people of Bauchi State, and prays for the peaceful repose of his soul, the strength for his loved ones during this difficult time, and the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss,” the statement said.