Family members, dignitaries, and Islamic scholars gathered in Kano on Friday to attend special prayers for the late General Murtala Rahmat Mohammed, marking the 50th anniversary of his death. The prayers were held at the Murtala Muhammad Mosque in Kano.

Sheikh Kabiru Dan-Taura, Chief Imam of the mosque, led the prayer session and praised the late Head of State for his service to Nigeria. He urged leaders to emulate Murtala’s leadership style and noted that his impact on Nigerians would be remembered for a long time.

The event was attended by prominent personalities, including Ambassador Umar Wali and Ado Kurawa, who are cousins of the late Head of State. Risqua, Murtala’s son, represented the family and thanked Nigerians for remembering his father.

General Murtala was Nigeria’s Military Head of State from July 1975 until his assassination on February 13, 1976. His government implemented reforms, created new states, and moved the capital to Abuja. He was known for his fight against corruption and support for anti-colonial struggles in Southern Africa.