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.
President Bola Tinubu announces Buhari’s death and orders immediate arrangements for his repatriation and burial in accordance with Islamic rites.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila and members of Buhari’s family are directed to travel to London to accompany the late president’s body back to Nigeria.
A seven-day period of national mourning is declared, with flags flown at half-mast nationwide.
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 government officials.
A brief farewell ceremony is held prior to departure.
Arrival in Nigeria – Katsina
1:42 p.m.: President Tinubu arrives at Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport in Katsina, travelling from Abuja.
1:51 p.m.: The aircraft carrying Buhari’s remains lands in Katsina.
President Tinubu inspects a guard of honour before the plane’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, comprising 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 a solemn procession behind the casket.
The coffin is then placed in a military hearse for the journey to Daura.
Afternoon – Journey to Daura
The funeral convoy departs Katsina, covering the approximately 80-kilometre route to Buhari’s hometown of Daura.
Thousands of mourners line the roadside, paying 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, attended by family members and dignitaries.
Evening – Funeral Prayers and Burial
4:56 p.m.: The Salatul Janazah (Islamic funeral prayer) is led by Sheikh Hassan Yusuf, Chief Imam of Daura, at the open helipad ground next to Buhari’s residence.
The prayer is attended by dignitaries, local villagers and members of the late president’s family.
5:30 p.m.: The casket is taken to the gravesite located in the garden behind Buhari’s home.
5:50 p.m.: Former President Buhari is laid to rest in accordance with Islamic rites.
Military and National Honours
The Nigerian Armed Forces fire a 21-gun salute as a final tribute.
General Christopher Musa, Chief of Defence Staff, delivers a formal citation honouring Buhari’s service and dedication.
Graveside prayers are offered by President Tinubu, Vice-President Shettima, former Vice-President Osinbajo and other dignitaries.
The burial ceremony concludes before sunset, in line with Islamic tradition.
