Popular Kannywood actor, Yakubu Mato, widely known as Malam Nata’ala, has passed away after a prolonged illness. He reportedly died on Sunday night.

Malam Nata’ala, who hailed from Potiskum in Yobe State, gained fame for his remarkable role as an almajiri school teacher in the popular Arewa24 Hausa drama series ‘Dadin Kowa’. His performance endeared him to audiences across Northern Nigeria and beyond.

News of his death was confirmed by one of the writers of the Dadin Kowa series, Fauziya D. Sulaiman, who announced the sad development on her Facebook page.

Before his passing, the actor had made several social media posts appealing for financial assistance to pay for his medical treatment.

Tributes have started pouring in from his colleagues, fans, and well-wishers, who described him as a talented actor and a humble personality who left an indelible mark in the Kannywood industry.