Wike Receives Late Senator Mpigi's Remains in Abuja

On February 19, 2026, Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, received the remains of late Senator Barinada Mpigi at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. The senator, who represented Rivers South-East, passed away in London at the age of 64, a death that shocked the political circles in Rivers State.

Wike arrived at the airport around 5:30 AM, accompanied by notable political figures including Patricia Obiageri Mpigi, the senator's wife, and their children. Other attendees included Mao Ohuabunwa, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the People's Democratic Party, Philip Aduda, the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, and Kingsley Chinda, the Rivers State Coordinator of Renewed Hope.

Wike had previously traveled to London to express condolences to the family and make arrangements for the return of Mpigi's body to Nigeria for burial rites.