Family shares burial plans for filmmaker Dimbo Atiya

The family of the late Nigerian filmmaker, producer, and director Dimbo Atiya has shared details about his burial plans.

Dimbo Atiya passed away on 6 August 2026. He was 52 years old.

Actor Mofe Duncan and filmmaker Uzee Usman broke the news of his death on social media.

In a statement signed by SP Benson Atiya (Rtd) on 17 August, the family announced that the funeral would take place in Jos, Plateau State, on 27 and 28 August 2026.

Funeral details

The funeral will start with a Service of Songs and Tributes on Thursday, 27 August, at 3:00 p.m. at Tamarald Event Centre in Jos.

The Funeral Service is set for the next day, Friday, 28 August, at 9:00 a.m. at the same location, Tamarald Event Centre, JIB Junction, No. 5 Jonah Jang Way, formerly Old Airport Road, Jos.

The family remembered Mr Atiya as a loving husband, brother, mentor, and friend. They invited relatives, colleagues, members of the Christian community, and the public to join them for the ceremonies.

Family gratitude

In their announcement, the family expressed gratitude to relatives, friends, colleagues, and well-wishers for their support during this tough time after Mr Atiya’s death.

"As we mourn his passing, we also give thanks to God for the life he lived, the lives he touched, and the lasting legacy he leaves behind," the family stated.

They also shared a quote from Matthew 5:4: "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted."

The family invited everyone to join them in Jos for the two-day funeral, paying their last respects to the filmmaker and celebrating his significant impact on Nigeria’s creative industry.

Career highlights

Mr Atiya had a career in film and television that lasted over a decade. He started in 2008 and went on to receive professional training at the New York Film Academy, with stints in both New York and California.

During his career, he produced over 500 television episodes and five feature films.

He worked as a photographer for the London Theatre and later became Head of Photography at Konga.com, an online retail platform.

He gained national fame through “Sons of the Caliphate,” a political drama series that dealt with power, ambition, family loyalty, and political schemes. The series featured actors like Yakubu Mohammed, Paul Sambo, Mofe Duncan, and Rahama Sadau.

Another notable project was “Halita,” which he produced and which won the 2022 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Award for Best Africa Magic Original Drama Series.

His other works included “Drawing Strength,” “Still Falling,” “The Plan,” “Dala Dala,” and “W.A.R. Wrath and Revenge.” He also co-created, executive produced, produced, wrote, and directed “The Rishantes,” produced for Africa Magic and Showmax.

In 2023, he launched the Ezekiel Gomos Short Film Fund, giving ₦1 million in soft funding to two young filmmakers whose projects came from a filmmaking competition. This initiative aimed to help young talents who wanted to make films but lacked the financial means to start their projects.