The remains of former Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari, have departed London, United Kingdom, for his hometown of Daura in Katsina State, where he will be laid to rest with full state honours.
The late president’s body was flown aboard a Nigerian Air Force aircraft early Tuesday morning, accompanied by top government officials, including Vice President Kashim Shettima and the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.
Buhari died on Sunday, July 13, 2025, in a London hospital after a prolonged illness. He was aged 82. His passing sparked a wave of mourning across the country, especially in the northern region where he commanded a massive following.
President Bola Tinubu is expected to receive the late president’s remains in Daura later today, as preparations for the state burial reach their final phase.
The Federal Government had earlier declared Tuesday, July 15, a public holiday to honour the former military ruler and civilian president, who led the country during two different eras—first as military head of state from 1984 to 1985 and later as a democratically elected president from 2015 to 2023.
Fondly called “Baba Buhari” by supporters, the late leader was seen as a symbol of integrity and discipline by his admirers. Despite criticisms over some aspects of his administration, Buhari left a lasting imprint on Nigeria’s political trajectory, particularly as the first opposition candidate to defeat a sitting president in the country’s Fourth Republic.
He was also a key figure in the formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the ruling party, after a merger of several opposition parties in 2013. That alliance paved the way for his historic election victory in 2015 alongside his then-running mate, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo.
Security around Daura has since been intensified, with thousands of police officers and personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) deployed to maintain order during the burial rites.
Buhari will be laid to rest according to Islamic rites in the serene town where his political journey began, drawing the curtain on the life of one of Nigeria’s most influential and controversial leaders.
