The remains of Nigeria’s former President, Muhammadu Buhari, have been laid to rest at his private residence in Daura, Katsina State, in line with Islamic burial rites.
The Nigerian Air Force aircraft conveying his body landed at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport in Katsina at precisely 1:51 p.m. on Tuesday. President Bola Tinubu, who arrived a few minutes earlier at 1:42 p.m., was on ground to receive the late leader’s body alongside Vice President Kashim Shettima and other top government officials.
A solemn military ceremony followed as a team of nine high-ranking officers drawn from the Army, Navy, and Air Force performed pallbearing duties. The casket, wrapped in the national flag, was escorted through a ceremonial guard of honour, accompanied by the solemn hymn, “God Be With You Till We Meet Again.”
The state funeral included full military honours, highlighted by a 21-gun salute.
Distinguished dignitaries at the event included President Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea-Bissau, Nigerien Prime Minister Ali Lamine Zeine, former President of Niger Issoufou Mahamadou, and Nigeria’s former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.
The former First Lady, Aisha Buhari, joined family members in receiving condolences from sympathisers who gathered in large numbers to pay their last respects.
Funeral prayers were conducted by the Chief Imam of Katsina before the late President was interred later in the day, following Islamic customs.
Mourners filled the streets of Daura to catch a final glimpse of the late President and to offer prayers in his memory.
President Muhammadu Buhari passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2025, while receiving medical treatment in a London hospital. He was 82.
