Nollywood star Uche Odoputa plans empty‑casket funeral for father kidnapped in 2022

Nollywood star Uche Odoputa disclosed that his relatives plan to hold a memorial service for his deceased father, Kenneth Chukwumezie Odoputa, utilizing an unoccupied coffin. The announcement was made in a video posted to Odoputa’s Instagram on 3 November 2026, where he explained that the ceremony will take place within a few weeks despite the absence of a body.

Kenneth Odoputa, known to friends as “Honestman,” was abducted by gunmen in the Orsu Local Government Area of Imo State in May 2022. Although the family paid the ransom demanded, the kidnappers murdered both Kenneth and a close friend and refused to return the bodies, leaving the family without remains for a traditional burial.

In a statement, Odoputa noted that the family intends to celebrate his father’s existence, respect, and affection, despite the fact that they do not possess a physical remains to inter. He also urged anyone carrying hidden grief to seek support from trusted individuals.

Background

The kidnapping occurred in May 2022, a period marked by a rise in abductions for ransom in southeastern Nigeria. Kenneth Chukwumezie Odoputa, born on 10 August 1950, was a respected figure in his community. After the abduction, the family quickly raised the alarm and reportedly paid the ransom, yet the perpetrators still killed the victims and withheld the bodies. This left the Odoputa family unable to perform a conventional burial, a significant cultural and emotional loss.

The actor’s recent announcement follows other recent funeral news in the Nigerian entertainment sector, such as the scheduled services for veteran actor Francis Duru, whose burial ceremonies were set for late November and early December 2026.

Why it matters

The planned empty‑casket funeral underscores the lasting impact of kidnapping and violent crime on families, particularly in regions where bodies are sometimes not recovered. It highlights the emotional toll on relatives who must navigate grief without the closure of a traditional burial. Odoputa’s public appeal also brings attention to mental health, encouraging those dealing with silent grief to reach out for support.

The announcement has resonated with the public, drawing sympathy and prompting discussions on the need for stronger security measures and support systems for victims’ families in Nigeria.

What happens next

Odoputa indicated that the funeral will be held within weeks of his November 2026 announcement, though no specific date or venue was disclosed. The family plans to conduct the ceremony with an empty casket, focusing on celebrating Kenneth Odoputa’s life and legacy. No further official statements about additional memorial events have been reported.