The remains of former President Muhammadu Buhari departed London on Tuesday morning aboard a Nigerian Air Force aircraft, heading for his hometown of Daura in Katsina State for final interment.
It was gathered that the late president’s body was flown from the United Kingdom following his death on Sunday at a London hospital. The repatriation comes as the federal government prepares for a full state burial.
Vice President Kashim Shettima is leading a high-powered federal government delegation to oversee documentation and logistical coordination for the return and burial of the former leader.
According to reports, the body is expected to arrive by noon on Tuesday before being conveyed to Daura for final rites, in accordance with Islamic tradition.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, will personally receive the remains of the former President in Katsina,”
A seven-day national mourning period is already underway, and the federal government has declared Tuesday a public holiday in Buhari’s honour.
Buhari, who ruled Nigeria from 2015 to 2023 after earlier serving as military head of state between 1983 and 1985, died at the age of 81 after a brief illness.
