LONDON/DAURA — The remains of former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari have departed London aboard a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft, en route to his hometown of Daura in Katsina State, ahead of his state burial scheduled for Tuesday, July 15, 2025.
Bashir Ahmad, a former media aide to Buhari, confirmed the development in a post on his X (formerly Twitter) handle early Tuesday. The late president’s body is accompanied by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, and other senior government officials.
Buhari passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at approximately 4:30 p.m. in a London hospital after a prolonged, undisclosed illness. He was 82 years old.
In honour of the former leader, the Federal Government declared Tuesday a public holiday to facilitate the state burial and allow Nigerians to pay their last respects.
The late president, widely regarded for his austere lifestyle and anti-corruption stance, hailed from Daura in Nigeria’s northwestern region. He served as Nigeria’s military head of state between 1984 and 1985 and later returned to power as a democratically elected president from 2015 to 2023.
Initial plans for his body to arrive on Monday were delayed, prompting adjustments to the burial arrangements. Ahmad stated that the body is now expected to land in Katsina at noon on Tuesday, with funeral prayers scheduled for 2:00 p.m. in Daura, in accordance with Islamic rites.
Buhari’s passing has drawn tributes from across Nigeria and beyond, marking the end of an era in the nation’s political history.
