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 top 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 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 prominent political leaders, including Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees, Senator 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 (APC) National Vice Chairman (South South), Victor Giadom, among others.
The gathering reflected Mpigi’s cross-party relationships and influence within Nigeria’s political space.
Senator Mpigi died in London on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at the age of 64.
Wike had earlier travelled to London last week 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 begin for funeral rites and tributes in honour of the late lawmaker, whose death has drawn condolences from across the political divide.
