The remains of former President Muhammadu Buhari departed London, United Kingdom, on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, bound for Daura, Katsina State, Nigeria, ahead of a state burial.
The body was transported on a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft, accompanied by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, and other high-ranking government officials.
Buhari, who passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at approximately 4:30 pm in a London hospital, following a prolonged illness, was 82 years old.
As a prominent figure in Nigerian politics, he served as the country’s military head of state from January 1984 to August 1985 and later as a democratically elected president from 2015 to 2023.
Buhari hailed from Daura, Katsina State, in Nigeria’s North-West zone, and was known for his ramrod-straight posture.
He contested for president in 2003, 2007, and 2011 but lost despite garnering significant votes. In 2015, he won the presidential election, defeating then-incumbent Goodluck Jonathan.
-Buhari championed an anti-corruption war during his administration, although his government faced allegations of sleaze involving some appointees.
The Federal Government declared Tuesday, July 15, 2025, a public holiday to facilitate the state burial in Daura.
President Bola Tinubu is expected to receive Buhari’s body in Katsina by noon on Tuesday.
A brief military ceremony will be held at the airport before the body is transported to Daura for Jana’iza (funeral prayers) and interment at Buhari’s residence.
Thousands of personnel from the Police and NSCDC have been deployed to ensure security during the burial ceremony.
