Former Nigerian president Muhammadu Buhari laid to rest in Daura

Summary

• Muhammadu Buhari, Nigeria’s former president, was buried in Daura, Katsina State, on 15 July 2025, following his death in London on 13 July
• The burial, conducted with Islamic rites and military honours, took place at his family compound after a state funeral
• President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and other dignitaries attended, with a public holiday declared nationwide
• Tributes highlighted Buhari’s anti-corruption stance and patriotism, though his tenure faced criticism for economic and security challenges

Daura, Nigeria – Muhammadu Buhari, Nigeria’s former president and military ruler, was laid to rest in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, on Tuesday, 15 July 2025, following his death at the age of 82 in a London clinic on Sunday, 13 July.

The burial, which followed Islamic funeral rites, took place at a cherished spot in the garden of his family compound, reflecting his deep connection to his ancestral home. A military ceremony accompanied the proceedings, honouring Buhari’s legacy as a former general and head of state.

Buhari’s remains arrived at Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport in Katsina, draped in the Nigerian flag, at approximately 1:50 PM, flown from London and accompanied by Vice President Kashim Shettima and Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led a delegation of dignitaries, including Katsina State Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, former military ruler General Ibrahim Babangida, and international figures such as Niger’s Prime Minister Ali Lamine Zeine and Guinea-Bissau’s President Umaro Sissoco Embaló.

The Chief Imam of Katsina State led the funeral prayers, attended by mourners, including Buhari’s daughter Fatima, who was visibly emotional.

The burial was initially scheduled for Monday, 14 July, but was postponed to Tuesday after consultations with Buhari’s family and associates in London. President Tinubu ordered a seven-day national mourning period, with flags at half-mast until 20 July, and declared 15 July a public holiday nationwide. The Northwest Governors Forum also declared the day a holiday across the region.

An Inter-Ministerial Committee, chaired by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, coordinated the state funeral in collaboration with the Katsina State Government and Buhari’s family.

Tributes poured in from across Nigeria and beyond. Former President Goodluck Jonathan, whom Buhari defeated in 2015, praised his selflessness and patriotism. General Babangida described him as a “moral compass” and a model of modesty.

The ECOWAS Commission President, Omar Alieu Touray, lauded Buhari’s contributions to regional integration, while Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio and former African Development Bank President Akinwumi Adesina highlighted his leadership. Katsina Governor Radda called him “the embodiment of the common man’s aspirations.”

Buhari, born on 17 December 1942 in Daura, served as Nigeria’s military head of state from 1983 to 1985 and as civilian president from 2015 to 2023. He was the first opposition candidate to defeat an incumbent president in Nigeria’s history.

Known for his anti-corruption campaigns and military discipline, his presidency faced challenges, including economic struggles and security issues like Boko Haram and farmer-herder conflicts. His social welfare initiatives, such as the National Social Investment Programme, aimed to address poverty and unemployment.

The atmosphere in Daura was sombre, with mourners, including family, friends, and well-wishers, gathering at Buhari’s residence. Women held special prayers and Qur’anic recitations.

Buhari’s death and his burial at about 5:50 pm followed a prolonged illness, with his final medical trip to London dated April 2025. His passing marks the end of a significant chapter in Nigeria’s political history, with his legacy sparking both admiration and debate.