The body of former President Muhammadu Buhari has officially departed London, United Kingdom, on Tuesday morning, heading back to Nigeria for his final journey home to Daura, Katsina State, where he will be laid to rest.
The late president’s remains were transported aboard a Nigerian Air Force aircraft. He was accompanied by a high-level Federal Government delegation led by Vice President Kashim Shettima, who has been tasked with overseeing the comprehensive arrangements for his repatriation and burial rites.
The delegation is responsible for ensuring that all formal documentation and logistical processes are concluded properly, allowing the body to be received in Nigeria with full state honors. This solemn return underscores the importance of Buhari’s leadership legacy and his service to the nation.
Information Minister Mohammed Idris had earlier disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is personally set to receive Buhari’s body upon its arrival at the airport in Katsina. A brief but dignified military ceremony is planned at the airport before the remains are transported to Daura, his hometown, for burial.
In Daura, the traditional Islamic funeral prayer known as Jana’iza will be conducted in line with Islamic customs and Buhari’s personal wishes, followed by interment at his private residence in an atmosphere of solemnity and respect.
As a mark of respect and national mourning, President Tinubu has directed that condolence registers be opened at all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) across the country, as well as at Nigerian embassies and missions worldwide. Another condolence register is being made available at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja for members of the public and dignitaries to pay their respects.
The Minister also confirmed that numerous condolence messages have been received from prominent world leaders, regional organizations, and international allies, all emphasizing Buhari’s significant contributions to Nigeria and his far-reaching global influence.
To ensure a seamless and honorable burial process, President Tinubu has constituted an Inter-Ministerial Committee chaired by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume. This committee is collaborating closely with the Katsina State Government and the Buhari family to meticulously coordinate all burial-related activities and ceremonial events.
Furthermore, 25 members of the Federal Executive Council have been mandated to travel to Katsina to personally attend the burial ceremony and remain in Daura for the Third-Day Islamic prayers, which are scheduled to take place on Wednesday. These prayers are an important part of the Islamic mourning period and offer an opportunity for the nation to collectively honor the late leader’s memory.
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