The body of Nigeria’s former President, Muhammadu Buhari, has been flown out of the United Kingdom en route to his hometown of Daura in Katsina State, where he will be laid to rest with full state honours.
According to reports from PUNCH Online, Buhari’s remains were transported on Tuesday morning aboard a Nigerian Air Force aircraft. The solemn journey follows his passing on Sunday at a London hospital.
Vice President Kashim Shettima is leading a high-ranking delegation to oversee formalities and logistics related to the repatriation. Final arrangements for the burial are being coordinated in collaboration with the Federal Government and the deceased statesman’s family.
The Nigerian government has confirmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will be present in Katsina to personally receive the late president’s body. A brief military ceremony is scheduled to be held at the airport upon arrival before the remains are transported to Daura.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, shared further details during a press briefing in Abuja. He confirmed that funeral prayers (Jana’iza) and interment will follow shortly after the arrival at Buhari’s residence.
In honour of the late leader, President Tinubu has ordered national mourning, including the opening of condolence registers at all ministries, departments, and embassies. An additional register will be available at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja.
Idris also noted that global leaders have continued to send tributes, acknowledging Buhari’s influence on the international stage.
To ensure a dignified farewell, an inter-ministerial committee, chaired by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, has been established. The committee is working in tandem with Katsina State authorities and members of the Buhari family.
Twenty-five members of the Federal Executive Council are expected to be in attendance at the funeral and will remain in Daura for the third-day prayers scheduled for Wednesday.
