Friday-John Abba, an award-winning Nigerian playwright, editor, and literary advocate, has passed away following a brief illness. He died on April 28, 2026, at the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), Shika, Kaduna State.
Abba, a respected figure in Nigeria’s creative and literary circles, was the author of three notable plays: Alekwu Night Dance, Eclipsing Ellipsis, and Muted Song. His work, often rooted in cultural memory and identity, earned him critical recognition within and beyond the country.
His debut play, Alekwu Night Dance, gained national prominence when it emerged as runner-up for the 2014 Nigeria Prize for Literature, sponsored by Nigeria LNG, one of Africa’s most prestigious literary awards.
Beyond his writing, Abba played a significant leadership role in nurturing literary communities. He served as Chairman of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Kaduna State Chapter, as well as the Kaduna Writers’ League, where he mentored emerging writers and contributed to the growth of northern Nigeria’s literary ecosystem.
According to sources that spoke to AkweyaTV, Abba fell ill shortly after travelling to Benue State for the funeral rites of an in-law. His condition reportedly worsened, prompting emergency treatment at a private hospital before he was transferred to ABUTH in Shika, where he later died.
He is survived by his aged mother, his wife Agnes, and his siblings. He was born to a father who hailed from Benue and a mother from Kaduna State.
Friday-John Abba’s passing marks a significant loss to Nigerian literature. His works and his commitment to storytelling and mentorship leave behind a legacy that will continue to inspire future generations of writers.
