Former President Buhari’s Body Arrives Nigeria for Burial in Daura After Death in London

The remains of former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari arrived in Nigeria on Monday, a day after his death in a London hospital at the age of 82. Buhari’s body is scheduled for burial today in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, in accordance with Islamic rites.

This was confirmed by counter-insurgency and security expert Zagazola Makama, who shared a video of the arrival on his official (formerly Twitter) account.

Vice President Kashim Shettima and Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, led a government delegation to London on the directive of President Bola Tinubu. The team received the former president’s remains and returned to Nigeria early Monday.

They were received in the UK by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, and Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, among other dignitaries.

The body was immediately flown back to Nigeria and is being transported to Daura for interment later in the day. The swift return aligns with Islamic customs, which mandate that burial should occur as soon as possible, typically within 24 hours of death.

President Tinubu is expected to join other past Nigerian leaders in Daura for the funeral. Buhari’s passing has drawn tributes from political figures, citizens, and international observers, many of whom recall his decades-long impact on Nigeria as both military head of state and civilian president.