The plane carrying the remains of the former President Buhari arrives at the Katsina airport.

Vice President Kashim Shettima on Monday paid a condolence visit to Aisha Buhari, widow of late Buhari and his visit was in line with President Bola Tinubu’s directive following the announcement of Buhari’s death on Sunday at about 4:30 p.m. in a London hospital.

Details Unfolding…

Nigeria’s First Lady, Remi Tinubu, has arrived in Daura, Katsina State, for the funeral of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Mrs. Tinubu was accompanied by the wives of some top politicians, including the wife of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Fatimah Abbas; the wife of the Deputy Senate President, Laila Barau; and the wife of the National Security Adviser, Zarah Ribadu.

Former Transport Minister Rotimi Amaechi also arrived early for the burial of his former “boss”.

Amaechi, who was turbaned as Dan Amanar Daura in 2022, still holds this title, which is a significant honor in the former president’s hometown.

Dignitaries, former government officials, and political heavyweights began arriving in Katsina State for the final burial rites.
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‎Among the early arrivals were former Vice Presidents Yemi Osinbajo and Atiku Abubakar; former Senate President Ahmad Lawan; and former Governors Aminu Bello Masari (Katsina), Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto), Yahaya Bello (Kogi), Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun), Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto), and Ali Modu Sheriff (Borno), who also served as a one-time National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party.
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‎Others in attendance include billionaire businessman Aliko Dangote; former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami; and former Minister of Women Affairs, Pauline Tallen.
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‎A heavy security presence was observed in and around Daura, with personnel from the Department of State Services, Nigeria Police Force, and Nigerian Army stationed at strategic locations.
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‎Traffic diversions and crowd control measures were also in place to ensure smooth movement as thousands of mourners thronged Daura to pay their last respects.
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‎The funeral, led by Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda, follows Islamic rites, with Buhari’s body, accompanied by Vice President Kashim Shettima, arriving from London around midday.
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‎President Bola Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, religious leaders, and traditional rulers are also expected to attend in the coming hours as the funeral proceedings continue.
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‎A public holiday was declared on July 15, 2025, as part of a seven-day national mourning period to honor Buhari’s legacy.
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‎On Tuesday, security personnel were deployed around the Daura residence of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, as burial preparations entered an advanced stage.
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‎Operatives from the Department of State Services and the Nigerian Army were positioned at the main entrance, while officers from the Nigeria Police and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps maintained surveillance at key locations around the area.
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‎A section of the compound specifically a garden next to the main building has been designated as Buhari’s burial site.
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‎Several men, believed to be family members, were seen digging the grave.
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‎Journalists and members of the public were barred from entering the area where the grave was being prepared, as security agents enforced tight access control.
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‎President Bola Tinubu is expected to personally receive Buhari’s remains at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Airport in Katsina.
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‎Previously, Tinubu had instructed Vice President Kashim Shettima and Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila to travel to the United Kingdom to accompany the body back to Nigeria.
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‎The remains of former President Muhammadu Buhari departed London, United Kingdom, on Tuesday morning en route to Daura, Katsina State, for a state burial.
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‎The late president’s body was transported aboard a Nigerian Air Force aircraft.
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‎Vice President Kashim Shettima is heading a high-level Federal Government delegation to oversee the final documentation and logistical arrangements for the repatriation.
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‎On Monday, the Federal Government announced that President Bola Tinubu will receive the late president’s remains in Katsina before his final interment in Daura.
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‎This was revealed by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, during a press briefing in Abuja.
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‎Idris stated that the former president’s body, following his death in a London hospital on Sunday, is expected to arrive in Nigeria by midday Tuesday.
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‎”President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, will personally receive the remains of the former President in Katsina.
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‎”Upon arrival in Katsina, a brief military ceremony will be held at the airport before the body is moved to Daura.
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‎“The Jana’iza (funeral prayer) will take place thereafter, followed by interment at the late President’s residence,” Idris said.
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‎The minister stated that, as part of the national mourning, President Tinubu has ordered the opening of condolence registers in all Federal Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, as well as at Nigerian embassies and diplomatic missions around the world.
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‎He added that an additional condolence register will be made available at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja.
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‎Idris further mentioned that condolence messages from global leaders have continued to pour in.
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‎“The condolences coming in from Heads of State and Governments across the globe are a testament to the global stature and legacy of President Muhammadu Buhari,” he said.
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‎To ensure what he called a “dignified and well-coordinated programme,” Idris said the President has established an Inter-Ministerial Committee, headed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.
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‎The committee is expected to collaborate closely with the Katsina State Government and the family of the late President Buhari.
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‎The minister also revealed that 25 members of the Federal Executive Council have been instructed to travel to Katsina to attend the burial rites and stay in Daura for the Third-Day prayers set for Wednesday.
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Nigeria is observing a national public holiday today, Tuesday, July 15, 2025, as tributes pour in from across the world for former President Muhammadu Buhari, who died on Sunday in London at the age of 82.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared the public holiday in honour of the late statesman, ordering all national flags to fly at half-mast for seven days as a mark of respect.

Early this morning, Buhari’s remains departed the United Kingdom aboard a Nigerian Air Force aircraft. His body is expected to arrive in Katsina by 12:00 noon, with burial rites scheduled for 2:00 p.m. in his hometown of Daura, in accordance with Islamic traditions.

The body is being accompanied by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, and other top government officials.
As the nation prepares for his final interment, a cascade of tributes has emerged from global leaders, institutions, and citizens, celebrating the life and legacy of a man many described as disciplined, devoted, and unwavering in his commitment to national and continental development.

Tributes From World Leaders

From across continents, messages of condolence have flowed in, recognizing Muhammadu Buhari as a significant figure in global affairs.

The United States Mission in Nigeria mourned him as “a leader whose life was defined by service, discipline, and a commitment to restore integrity to public office.” It added that his legacy would be remembered in his efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

The Chinese Embassy in Nigeria paid homage to his dedication and role in deepening China–Nigeria relations. “His pivotal contributions will forever remain etched in our shared history,” the embassy stated.

India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, expressed sadness over Buhari’s death. “His wisdom, warmth and unwavering commitment to India–Nigeria friendship stood out,” he wrote on X.

Türkiye’s embassy in Nigeria also shared condolences, describing Buhari’s passing as a great loss and praying for the repose of his soul.

Amina Mohammed, the Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations, described him as a man who lived by discipline, humility, and deep love for Nigeria.

Akinwumi Adesina, outgoing President of the African Development Bank, expressed gratitude for Buhari’s leadership and personal support. “May God comfort your dear wife and family. May your soul rest in peace,” he posted.

African Leaders and Regional Bodies

Across the African continent, the loss of Buhari is being felt deeply.
Mahmoud Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, described the late president as “a principled and resolute leader” and “a staunch Pan-Africanist and champion of regional integration.”

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed extended his condolences, calling it “a profound moment of national mourning.”

Julius Maada Bio, President of Sierra Leone and current ECOWAS Chair, referred to Buhari’s death as a “devastating loss,” offering heartfelt sympathies to Nigeria’s government and people.

Dr. Omar Touray, President of ECOWAS, hailed Buhari as “a distinguished statesman whose invaluable contributions greatly advanced democracy and regional integration across Africa.”

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization, expressed sorrow at the sudden turn of events: “I did not know just how ill President Buhari was… I am so very sad. May his soul rest in perfect peace.”

Voices From Home: Workers, Kinsmen & Associates

Beyond officialdom, personal reflections from Buhari’s hometown and household reveal the quieter, more intimate aspects of his post-presidency life.
Following his retirement from office in 2023, Buhari spent his final years in Daura, Katsina State, surrounded by a close circle of domestic workers, neighbors, and longtime associates.

According to those who lived and worked with him, the former president remained approachable and emotionally connected to the people around him.

His domestic staff recalled his profound compassion, not just toward people, but also animals. Buhari was known to have a deep affection for his pets, including three aged tortoises and a small kiskadee bird that often visited his compound. He also cared for bulls, camels, horses, cows, and piccolo birds, which brought him joy in his final days.

“He was more than an employer,” one staff member said. “He was a guardian and a friend to us and our families.”

Others spoke of his generosity and empathy, sharing how he would personally visit a worker who lost a child or attend the naming ceremony of another’s newborn. Despite his stature, they say he remained grounded, often engaging in simple, heartfelt conversations that left lasting impressions.

Political and National Reflections

Back in the political circle, voices from across Nigeria’s political spectrum have united in mourning.

President Tinubu described Buhari as “a disciplined patriot whose unwavering belief in Nigeria’s unity guided his every action.”

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar praised him as a “man whose life was defined by unflinching patriotism,” while Peter Obi said his passing was “a solemn moment for the nation.”

Femi Otedola, billionaire businessman, recalled Buhari’s quiet strength and steadfast service, saying, “Whether in uniform or in civilian attire, his love for our country was unquestionable.”

The All Progressives Congress (APC), under whose platform Buhari was twice elected, hailed him as “an iconic elder-statesman and exemplary patriot.”

The opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) also acknowledged his disciplined service to Nigeria, regardless of their political differences.

As the clock ticks toward his final burial in Daura, Nigeria stands still, united in memory, reverence, and solemn reflection for a leader whose life spanned soldiering, statecraft, and an unrelenting belief in the Nigerian dream.