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Nigeria’s political and military elite are converging on Daura, Katsina State, today, Monday, July 14, 2025, for the burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who died on Sunday in a London hospital at the age of 82.
Buhari’s passing was announced by President Bola Tinubu on Sunday evening. The late president, who had been battling an undisclosed illness, died at about 4:30 pm (Nigerian time) in London.
In line with Islamic customs, his remains arrived in Nigeria in the early hours of Monday, accompanied by Vice President Kashim Shettima, who was directed by President Tinubu to bring the body home.
Speaking on Sunday night, prior to the arrival of Buhari’s remains, a presidency official said;
“The burial is tomorrow (Monday). They’re bringing his corpse over the night. They’ll go straight to Daura. So, they’ll bury him tomorrow (Monday).”
Another official had explained the need for swift burial rites in line with Islamic tradition.
“You know, the Islamic rites don’t take time.”
At the time of the statement, arrangements were still being finalized. However, by Monday morning, Buhari’s body had arrived Nigeria and the burial is scheduled to take place in Daura today.
Another source had indicated on Sunday night that President Tinubu would likely attend the funeral.
“When the corpse arrives, we are sure the President would go there. After they go to Daura, the President can join them there.”
Regarding potential visits from other African leaders, a presidency official said…
“Yes, there would be mainly West African Leaders. But we don’t know who and who until they start to communicate on Monday. The body will arrive early tomorrow and be buried. We’ll start having heads of state from West Africa. It is likely that some will come.
“If they come they will stay in their hotels until they get a time to see the President tomorrow (Monday). You know, the President just came back early hours of today. And he’s still resting,” the official noted.
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