Actor Sadiq Daba, famous for role in ‘Cock Crow at Dawn’ dies

 

Veteran actor and broadcaster, Sadiq Abubakar Daba, who was diagnosed with leukaemia and prostate cancer about four years ago, has finally lost the battle.

The actor, died Wednesday evening at Ayinke General Hospital in Ikeja, Lagos, where he had been receiving treatment.

His death was announced by the Nigerian Television Authority via a tweet: “Sad News; Veteran broadcaster and Nollywood actor Sadiq Daba is dead. He died this evening (Wednesday) after a long and excruciating battle with leukaemia and prostate cancer. May His Gentle Soul Rest in Perfect Peace #RIPSadiqDaba.”

Daba, popularly known as ‘Bitrus’ following his role in Cock Crow at Dawn, a popular soap opera that ruled the screen (shown on NTA) in the 1970s and 1980s, has, for years, been in and out of hospitals both in Nigeria and abroad.

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The actor announced his diagnosis of leukaemia and prostate cancer in 2017 and was supported with fundraising by some well-meaning Nigerians.

Billionaire Femi Otedola in 2019, bankrolled his hospital bills at a London clinic until he got back on his feet later that year.

At the peak of the COVID-19 lockdown last year, Daba’s health was said to have so deteriorated that he almost lost the use of one of his eyes.

He had won the coveted AMAA awards few years ago following his role in Kunle Afolayan’s October 1. Daba, whose last appearance in the movies was on Afolayan’s Citation, released 2020, has been laid to rest at a cemetery in Agege, Lagos.