Late Prof Abubakar Mohammed El-Jummah
The Pathfinder
Friday February 13, 2026
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A professor and dean, faculty of engineering and technology of the Nigerian Army University, Biu (NAUB), Abubakar Mohammed El-Jummah who has been in the Boko Haram den for eleven months, has died.
Professor El-Jummah, a top contender for the university’s Vice-Chancellorship, had reportedly been in captivity since March 3, 2025.
The Professor was abducted nearly a year ago while traveling along the notorious Damaturu–Buni Yadi–Biu road on his way to Maiduguri. The terrorists intercepted his vehicle near Kamuya village, freeing female passengers but taking the male travelers, including the Dean, into the forest.
Despite various efforts and prayers for his release, the insurgents recently contacted his family with the news of his passing. According to a family member, the captors claimed the Professor fell ill and died due to the harsh conditions of his nearly year-long detention.
With his remains still held by the insurgents, a Salatul Ga’ib (funeral prayer in absentia) was conducted for the late scholar at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday. The prayers were held at the Ngomari Old Airport Juma’at Mosque in Maiduguri, near his family residence.
The atmosphere was heavy with grief as hundreds of sympathizers, including colleagues from the academia, students, and community leaders, gathered to pay their final respects to a man described as a “brilliant mind and a dedicated mentor.”
The death of Professor El-Jummah underscores the persistent security challenges along the Borno-Yobe axis. At the time of his abduction, he was one of 30 candidates vying to lead the Nigerian Army University as its next Vice-Chancellor.
While the family expressed devastation, they thanked the public for their support throughout the eleven-month ordeal.
As of the time of this report, it remains unclear if any ransom demands were met or if the government was involved in any behind-the-scenes rescue attempts during his long stay in the forest.
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