Kannywood Actor buried in Yobe
Kannywood actor, Alhaji Mato Yakubu, popularly known as Malam Nata’ala from the long-running TV series ‘Dadin Kowa’, has been buried in Yobe state. His funeral prayer held at the Emir of Fika Jumu’at Mosque in Potiskum, Yobe, around 2:30pm, on Monday. Malam Nata’ala passed away on Sunday, 2nd November 2025, at the University of Maiduguri […]
Kannywood actor, Alhaji Mato Yakubu, popularly known as Malam Nata’ala from the long-running TV series ‘Dadin Kowa’, has been buried in Yobe state.
His funeral prayer held at the Emir of Fika Jumu’at Mosque in Potiskum, Yobe, around 2:30pm, on Monday.
Malam Nata’ala passed away on Sunday, 2nd November 2025, at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital after a prolonged battle with cancer.
Born on August 15, 1967, in Dambuwa Rijiya area of Potiskum, he began his acting career in 1982.
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He initially performed stage plays in Jimeta, Adamawa State, before relocating to Kano to pursue his career in film.
Specializing in comedy, he featured in many films alongside the late Rabilu Musa (Dan Ibro).
However, it was the ‘Dadin Kowa’ series aired by Arewa24 TV that brought him widespread fame, earning him the household name “Malam Nata’ala.”
Beyond ‘Dadin Kowa’, he also played a memorable role in the movie ‘A Duniya’, portraying a traditional Islamic teacher (Malami) with a group of Almajirai.
He had been ill for some time, but the severity of his condition became more public around August 2025 when he was diagnosed with cancer.
In a viral video, he appealed for financial and prayer support, revealing that his chemotherapy injections cost N250,000 every three weeks for six months, excluding medication and hospital admission costs.
Malam Nata’ala died at the age of 58, leaving behind three wives and ten children.
Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, assisted with his medical treatment and eventually took full responsibility for his healthcare.
He also received various financial supports from politicians and colleagues in the film industry.
However, the most notable in and heartwarming assistance came from the President of Niger Republic, General Abdulrahman Tchani, whose contribution left a lasting impact on the late actor.