The body of Nigeria’s former President, Muhammadu Buhari, has departed London and is now on its way home to Daura, Katsina State, for a final private burial.
The late statesman’s remains were flown aboard a Nigerian Air Force jet early Tuesday, accompanied by a top-tier Federal Government delegation led by Vice President Kashim Shettima. The team is responsible for overseeing all logistics and documentation involved in bringing the former leader back to Nigerian soil.
According to the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will personally receive Buhari’s body upon arrival in Katsina. A brief but solemn military ceremony is expected to take place at the airport before the body is transported to Daura for the final rites.
Buhari’s Jana’iza (Islamic funeral prayer) will be held in Daura, after which he will be laid to rest at his private residence, surrounded by close family and loved ones.
As part of national mourning, President Tinubu has directed that condolence registers be opened at all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), as well as at Nigerian embassies and missions around the world. An additional condolence register is also being set up at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja.
Tributes have continued to pour in from world leaders, highlighting Buhari’s legacy, leadership, and contributions to Nigeria’s global standing.
To ensure a dignified and well-coordinated burial, Tinubu has established an Inter-Ministerial Committee headed by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume. The committee is working closely with the Katsina State Government and the Buhari family to manage all related arrangements.
In a mark of respect, 25 members of the Federal Executive Council have been instructed to travel to Katsina for the burial and remain in Daura for the Third-Day Islamic prayers scheduled for Wednesday.
