LIVE: Farewell to Former President Buhari

Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari to Be Laid to Rest in Daura

Nigeria is set to bid farewell to former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away at the age of 82 on Sunday, July 13, in a London medical facility following a long battle with illness. His remains will arrive in Nigeria today for burial in his hometown of Daura, located in Katsina State.

Buhari’s passing closes a significant chapter in Nigeria’s political history. From his early days as a military head of state in the 1980s to his landmark democratic victory in 2015—when he unseated an incumbent president—his legacy spans decades of influence and transformation.

Nation Mourns as Final Farewell Begins for Former President Buhari

As the nation prepares to honor one of its most impactful leaders, PREMIUM TIMES launches live coverage of a day marked by solemn ceremonies and national reflection.

In tribute to the late former president, the federal government has declared today a public holiday. His funeral, to be held in his native Daura, will follow Islamic burial traditions.

Dignitaries Gather as Nation Pays Tribute to Buhari’s Complex Legacy

A wide spectrum of attendees—from sitting and former presidents to traditional rulers and ordinary citizens—are expected at the funeral of former President Muhammadu Buhari, a figure who commanded deep loyalty and admiration among many Nigerians.

Buhari was widely recognized for his anti-corruption efforts and his austere personal style. However, his time in office was not without controversy. Critics point to economic stagnation, rising insecurity, and human rights concerns, particularly his government’s handling of the 2020 #EndSARS protests and the contentious ban on Twitter.

In response to his passing, the federal government has acted with both speed and reverence. President Bola Tinubu declared a week-long national mourning period, ordered flags flown at half-mast, and sent Vice President Kashim Shettima to London to coordinate the repatriation of Buhari’s remains.

Governor Radda Oversees Burial Plans as Buhari’s Remains Journey Home

In Daura, Katsina State, Governor Dikko Radda is at the forefront of preparations for the final rites of former President Muhammadu Buhari. PREMIUM TIMES will provide continuous, in-depth coverage throughout the day from the late leader’s hometown.

Stay tuned to this page for real-time updates on the unfolding events.

According to presidential spokesperson Garba Shehu, the aircraft transporting Buhari’s remains departed the United Kingdom at approximately 7:48 a.m. and is expected to land after a seven-hour flight.

“The body left London at 7:48 a.m., and we’re anticipating its arrival soon. The grave is currently being prepared,” Shehu said while speaking to journalists in Daura.

Due to the delayed arrival, the burial—originally scheduled for 2:00 p.m.—is expected to begin roughly an hour later.

First Lady Heads to Daura as Tributes Continue to Pour In

Nigeria’s First Lady, Remi Tinubu, has left Abuja for Daura to attend the burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari. She shares a long-standing bond with the late president’s widow, Aisha Buhari, a relationship marked by mutual respect and close association.

Daura has seen a steady influx of prominent figures since Monday, all gathering ahead of the funeral to pay their final respects.

Among the notable dignitaries already present are former governors Aminu Masari (Katsina), Nasir El-Rufai (Kaduna), and Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun); former Minister of Communications Isa Pantami; as well as traditional rulers including the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’adu Abubakar, and the Emir of Kazaure, Ahmad Dangiwa.

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11:42 a.m.: Nigerien Prime Minister Touches Down in Katsina for Buhari’s Burial

At 11:42 a.m., Prime Minister Ali Zeine of the Republic of Niger arrived at the Umaru Musa Yaradua International Airport in Katsina. He was welcomed by Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda, along with Budget Minister Abubakar Bagudu, Information Minister Mohammed Idris, and other senior officials.

First Lady Arrives in Katsina Ahead of Buhari’s Burial

Nigeria’s First Lady, Remi Tinubu, has landed in Katsina State in preparation for the burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari. She was accompanied by her delegation as Governor Dikko Radda continues to coordinate funeral arrangements on the ground in Daura.

The late president passed away at The London Clinic after a prolonged illness. His body is currently en route from the UK, accompanied by Vice President Kashim Shettima and other senior officials, and is expected to arrive in Katsina before 3:00 p.m.

12:40 p.m.: Osinbajo Touches Down in Katsina for Final Rites

Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has also arrived at Umaru Musa Yaradua International Airport in Katsina to attend the funeral proceedings.

1:00 p.m.: Atiku, El-Rufai Arrive in Daura

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, along with former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, has arrived at Muhammadu Buhari’s residence in Daura. Their convoy reached the former president’s hometown around 1:00 p.m. as dignitaries continue to gather for the final farewell.

Sanwo-Olu Joins Growing List of Dignitaries in Katsina

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has arrived at the Umaru Musa Yaradua International Airport in Katsina, adding to the growing number of high-profile attendees arriving for the funeral of former President Muhammadu Buhari. His arrival follows that of First Lady Remi Tinubu, who landed earlier in the day.

12:45 p.m.: Senate Delegation Lands in Katsina

A delegation from the Nigerian Senate, led by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, has also touched down at the Katsina airport. The group has been escorted to the Katsina State Government House, where they will be formally received by state officials ahead of the burial ceremony.

Security Tightens as Soldiers Await President Tinubu’s Arrival in Katsina

At the Umaru Musa Yaradua International Airport in Katsina, military personnel are on standby in anticipation of President Bola Tinubu’s arrival for the funeral of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

President Tinubu Arrives in Katsina for Buhari’s Final Rites

President Bola Tinubu has landed in Katsina State to attend the funeral of his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari. Touching down at approximately 1:50 p.m. aboard the presidential jet NAF 001, the president joins a host of dignitaries already gathered for the solemn occasion. His wife, First Lady Remi Tinubu, had earlier arrived in the state.

Governor Dikko Radda is expected to join President Tinubu in receiving Buhari’s remains at the airport. Vice President Kashim Shettima, acting on the president’s directive, had traveled to London to accompany the late leader’s body back to Nigeria.

Buhari passed away on Sunday at The London Clinic at the age of 82, following a long illness.

Buhari’s Remains Arrive in Katsina, Nation Prepares to Say Goodbye

At around 2:07 p.m., the body of former President Muhammadu Buhari arrived in Katsina State, just minutes after President Tinubu’s arrival. The late leader’s remains were accompanied by Vice President Shettima, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, and members of the Buhari family.

As soldiers lined up in a final act of respect for the retired general and former military ruler, preparations intensified for the handover to local officials.

President Tinubu, Governor Radda, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, and several other dignitaries are scheduled to formally receive the body before it is transported to Daura for burial.

Traditional Rulers Arrive in Daura Ahead of Burial

Meanwhile, the Emir of Daura, Umar Faruk, and the Emir of Katsina, Abdulmumini Kabir Usman, arrived in Daura just before the body’s arrival. They touched down at the Daura helipad around 2:00 p.m., accompanied by key palace officials including Galadiman Katsina, Sadik Mahuta, and Wazirin Katsina, Ibrahim Ida.

Assistant Inspector General of Police, A.A. Musa, had earlier arrived to inspect the site where the body will be received, ensuring security and order as the state prepares for the final farewell.

The residents of Daura also trooped onto the helipad for the funeral prayers.