Sunday, 13 July 2025
4:30 p.m. (local time): Former President Muhammadu Buhari passes away at a private hospital in London following a prolonged illness, aged 82.
President Bola Tinubu formally announces Buhari’s death and orders preparations for immediate repatriation and burial in accordance with Islamic rites.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila and members of Buhari’s family are dispatched to London to accompany the late leader’s remains back to Nigeria.
A seven-day national mourning period is declared; national flags are flown at half-mast across the country.
Tuesday, 15 July 2025
Morning – Departure from London
Buhari’s flag-draped coffin departs London aboard a Nigerian Air Force jet, accompanied by Vice-President Shettima, former First Lady Aisha Buhari and senior officials.
A brief farewell ceremony is held in London prior to departure.
Arrival in Nigeria – Katsina
1:42 p.m.: President Tinubu arrives at Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport, Katsina, travelling from Abuja.
1:51 p.m.: The Nigerian Air Force aircraft carrying Buhari’s remains touches down in Katsina.
President Tinubu inspects a guard of honour shortly before the aircraft’s arrival.
The coffin is received with full military honours:
A joint military pallbearer team of nine senior officers carries the casket.
A ceremonial guard of honour featuring six officers and 96 soldiers lines the reception route.
Dignitaries including Guinea-Bissau’s President Umaro Sissoco Embaló, Niger Republic’s Prime Minister Ali Lamine Zeine, former Nigerien President Mahamadou Issoufou and former Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo join the solemn procession.
The casket is placed into a military hearse for the final journey to Daura.
Afternoon – Journey to Daura
The funeral convoy departs Katsina, making the roughly 80-kilometre journey to Buhari’s hometown of Daura.
Thousands of mourners line the highway to pay their final respects.
3:30–4:00 p.m.: The convoy arrives at Buhari’s residence in Daura.
A brief lying-in-state is held in the courtyard for family members and dignitaries to pay tribute.
Evening – Funeral Prayers and Burial
4:56 p.m.: Salatul Janazah (Islamic funeral prayer) is performed, led by Sheikh Hassan Yusuf, Chief Imam of Daura, at the open helipad ground beside Buhari’s home.
The prayer is attended by dignitaries, local villagers and family members.
5:30 p.m.: The casket is moved to the gravesite located behind the former president’s residence.
5:50 p.m.: Buhari is laid to rest, in accordance with Islamic rites, in the garden of his Daura home.
Military and National Honours
The Nigerian Armed Forces render a final tribute with a 21-gun salute.
General Christopher Musa, Chief of Defence Staff, reads Buhari’s official citation, highlighting his military service and national contributions.
President Tinubu, Vice-President Shettima, former Vice-President Osinbajo and other dignitaries offer graveside prayers.
The burial concludes before sunset, respecting Islamic funeral traditions.
