The remains of the Senator representing Rivers South-East, Barinada Mpigi, arrived in Abuja on Monday morning, with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, leading prominent political figures to receive the body at the airport.
Mpigi’s remains were received at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at about 5:30 a.m., as family members and close associates gathered in solemn tribute.
Wike, who arrived early at the airport, also received the senator’s wife, Patricia Obiageri Mpigi, and their children as they accompanied the body back to Nigeria.
The FCT Minister was joined by several notable political leaders, including Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party Board of Trustees, Mao Ohuabunwa; Senators Philip Aduda, Magnus Abe, Allwell Onyesoh, and Olaka Nwogu; House of Representatives Minority Leader, Kingsley Chinda; Rivers State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Ambassador Desmond Akawor; and the All Progressives Congress National Vice Chairman (South South), Victor Giadom, among others.
The gathering underscored Mpigi’s cross-party relationships and influence within Nigeria’s political landscape.
Senator Mpigi died in London on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at the age of 64.
Wike had earlier travelled to London last Thursday to visit the senator’s wife and children, where he commiserated with the family and facilitated arrangements for the repatriation of the remains to Nigeria.
With the body now in Abuja, preparations are expected to commence for funeral rites and tributes in honour of the late lawmaker, whose passing has drawn condolences from across the political divide.
