The body of Nigeria’s former President, Muhammadu Buhari, has been airlifted from London, United Kingdom, and is currently en route to Daura, his hometown in Katsina State, where a state burial will be conducted in his honour.
Buhari passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at approximately 4:30 p.m. in a London hospital, after a prolonged battle with an undisclosed illness. He was aged 82 at the time of his passing.
His remains departed London on Tuesday aboard a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft shortly before 8 a.m., officially commencing the formal funeral rites for the late Nigerian leader.
Accompanying the body on this solemn journey were Vice President Kashim Shettima, the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, and several other high-ranking government officials.
Upon arrival in Katsina, a brief but dignified military ceremony is scheduled to be held at the airport in recognition of Buhari’s service to the nation. Thereafter, the body will be conveyed to Daura, where the principal burial proceedings will take place in accordance with Islamic rites and state honours.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to be physically present in Katsina to personally receive the former President’s remains when Vice President Shettima returns with the body from London. Following the formal reception, President Tinubu will accompany the funeral convoy to Daura for the continuation of the burial activities.
In line with these arrangements, the Federal Government has declared Tuesday, July 15, 2025, a public holiday across the country to enable Nigerians to honour the memory of the late former President.
Additionally, 25 members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) have been directed to travel to Katsina to participate fully in the burial ceremonies. These officials are also expected to remain in Daura for the Third-Day Islamic Prayers scheduled for Wednesday, July 16, 2025.
Consequently, the Special Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, which was initially slated for Tuesday, July 15, 2025, has been rescheduled to Friday, July 18, 2025, to accommodate the mourning period and related national events.
This series of activities underscores the nation’s collective grief and the profound respect being accorded to the late Muhammadu Buhari for his service, leadership, and contributions to Nigeria’s development and governance.