…Tinubu Sends Shettima, Gbajabiamila to Bring Body Home
Former President Muhammadu Buhari is dead. He passed away on Sunday afternoon, 13 July 2025, in a clinic in London, United Kingdom. He was 82.
The news of his death was first confirmed by his former spokesperson, Garba Shehu, in a post on X.
“The family of the former president has announced the passing on of the former president, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, this afternoon in a clinic in London. May Allah accept him in Aljannatul Firdaus, Amin,” Shehu wrote.
Family sources said the former president had been battling an undisclosed illness for some time. He was recently discharged from the intensive care unit in London, but his condition reportedly worsened days later, leading to his demise. He had travelled abroad for a routine medical check-up and had remained under observation since then.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu also announced the former president’s death in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
According to the statement, Buhari died in London at about 4:30 p.m. on Sunday after a prolonged illness.
President Tinubu, who described the news as one that came “with profound sorrow and a heavy heart,” said the country had lost a patriot, a soldier, and a statesman.
In a personal tribute, Tinubu said, “President Buhari was to the very core, a patriot, a soldier, a statesman. His legacy of service and sacrifice endures. He served Nigeria with unwavering dedication, first as a military leader from January 1984 to August 1985, and later as a democratically elected President from 2015 to 2023. Duty, honour, and a deep commitment to the unity and progress of our nation defined his life.”
He continued: “He stood firm through the most turbulent times, leading with quiet strength, profound integrity, and an unshakable belief in Nigeria’s potential. He championed discipline in public service, confronted corruption head-on, and placed the country above personal interest at every turn.”
President Tinubu further stated, “I extend my deepest condolences to his beloved wife, Aisha, with whom I have been in constant touch, his children, the entire Buhari family, and all who knew and loved him. I also extend my condolences to the government and people of Katsina State, most especially the people and traditional leaders of Daura Emirate. We honour his service. We reflect on his legacy. And we pray for the peaceful repose of his soul.”
To honour Buhari’s memory, the president ordered that all national flags be flown at half-staff across the country for seven days, beginning Sunday. He also summoned an emergency session of the Federal Executive Council to be held on Tuesday in honour of the former leader.
Furthermore, President Tinubu has directed the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, and the Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, to proceed to the United Kingdom to accompany Buhari’s remains back to Nigeria for burial.
“The Federal Government will accord President Buhari full state honours befitting his towering contributions to our country,” Tinubu said.
Funeral arrangements are expected to be formally announced in the coming hours as tributes pour in from within and outside the country.
Born on 17 December 1942, Muhammadu Buhari rose through the ranks of the Nigerian Army to become a major general. He first ruled Nigeria as a military head of state between January 1984 and August 1985 following a coup. After several unsuccessful attempts at returning to power through the ballot, he was elected as civilian president in 2015 and re-elected in 2019, serving till May 2023.
President Tinubu ended his tribute with a prayer: “May Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus. And may his life continue to inspire generations of Nigerians to serve with courage, conviction, and selflessness.”
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