Buhari to be Buried Today in Daura

The remains of former President Muhammadu Buhari will be laid to rest today, Monday, in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, in line with Islamic burial rites. His death, which occurred in London on Sunday at approximately 4:30 p.m., has continued to draw a wave of national mourning and international condolences.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, alongside a host of Nigeria’s former heads of state and dignitaries, is expected in Daura for the burial. Vice President Kashim Shettima, acting on the President’s directive, accompanied Buhari’s body from the United Kingdom.

Presidency officials confirmed that the remains would arrive in Nigeria in the early hours of Monday and be flown directly to Daura for interment.

“The burial is tomorrow (Monday). They’re bringing his corpse over the night. They’ll go straight to Daura. So, they’ll bury him tomorrow (Monday). You know, the Islamic rites don’t take time,” one official stated anonymously.

Another source said President Tinubu is expected to join the funeral proceedings once the body arrives in Daura.

“When the corpse arrives, we are sure the President would go there. After they go to Daura, the President can join them there,” the official said.

Asked whether African leaders were expected in Nigeria for condolence visits, a presidency source confirmed:

“Yes, there would be mainly West African leaders. But we don’t know who and who until they start to communicate on Monday.”

The official added that visiting presidents would likely remain in their hotels until they are scheduled to meet with President Tinubu, who only returned to the country in the early hours of Sunday and is still resting.

In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu had earlier announced Buhari’s death and disclosed that Vice President Shettima had been instructed to accompany the body back to Nigeria.

“President Tinubu has spoken with Mrs Aishat Buhari, the former President’s widow and offered his deep condolences,” the statement read.

“President Tinubu has also ordered Vice President Kashim Shettima to proceed to the United Kingdom to accompany President Muhammadu Buhari’s body back to Nigeria.”

The President also directed that national flags be flown at half-mast for seven days in honour of the late former leader and summoned an emergency Federal Executive Council meeting scheduled for Tuesday, July 15, 2025.

“As a mark of respect to our former leader, I have directed that all national flags fly at half-staff across the country for seven days from today,” Tinubu wrote.

“I have also summoned an emergency Federal Executive Council session on Tuesday, dedicated to his honour.”

In a deeply personal tribute, the President described Buhari as “a patriot, a soldier, a statesman” whose life was defined by “duty, honour, and a deep commitment to the unity and progress of our nation.”

“President Buhari was to the very core, a patriot, a soldier, a statesman. His legacy of service and sacrifice endures. He served Nigeria with unwavering dedication, first as a military leader from January 1984 to August 1985, and later as a democratically elected President from 2015 to 2023,” Tinubu stated.

He praised Buhari’s quiet strength, integrity, and anti-corruption legacy, adding:

“He championed discipline in public service, confronted corruption head-on, and placed the country above personal interest at every turn.”

The President also extended condolences to the government and people of Katsina State, and in particular the people and traditional rulers of Daura.

“In this moment of national mourning, I extend my deepest condolences to his beloved wife, Aisha, with whom I have been in constant touch, his children, the entire Buhari family, and all who knew and loved him,” he said.

“We honour his service. We reflect on his legacy. And we pray for the peaceful repose of his soul. May Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus. And may his life continue to inspire generations of Nigerians to serve with courage, conviction, and selflessness.”

The late President had travelled to London in late June for follow-up treatment related to a long-standing, undisclosed medical condition. During his two terms in office, Buhari’s health prompted several extended medical leaves. He made at least 13 medical trips to the UK between 2016 and 2022, including a 100-day stay in 2017 that stirred national debate over the delegation of presidential duties.

His final known medical visit as president occurred in October 2022.

Meanwhile, tributes have continued to pour in from across the world since the news of his passing was made public, with many remembering Buhari as a leader committed to discipline, integrity, and the service of the nation.