Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced the death of Ambassador-designate to Algeria, Mohammed Lele, who passed away in Türkiye after a prolonged illness.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said Lele died in the early hours of April 19 in Ankara.

Until his death, Lele served as Director of the Middle East and Gulf Division at the ministry. A career diplomat, he was recently appointed Ambassador-designate to Algeria by President Bola Tinubu following confirmation by the Senate.

Born in 1976 in Gamawa, Bauchi State, Lele studied Economics at Bayero University, Kano, and joined the Nigerian Foreign Service in 2001. During his career, he served in Nigeria’s diplomatic missions in Berlin, Lomé, and Riyadh.

The ministry described him as a dedicated and exemplary diplomat, noted for his intellectual depth and commitment to advancing Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives.

His remains were received in Abuja on Tuesday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport by the Permanent Secretary, Amb. Dunoma Ahmed, alongside senior ministry officials, following their arrival from Istanbul.

Lele was laid to rest on April 22 in Kano in accordance with Islamic rites.

The ministry extended its condolences to his family, associates, and the government and people of Bauchi State.