The body of former President Muhammadu Buhari has departed London for Nigeria ahead of a state burial scheduled to take place in his hometown, Daura, Katsina State.
PUNCH Online reports that the remains were conveyed aboard a Nigerian Air Force aircraft and are expected to arrive in Nigeria by noon on Tuesday, July 15.
Vice President Kashim Shettima is leading a high-powered Federal Government delegation to oversee final documentation and logistical arrangements for the repatriation of the late President’s remains.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, confirmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will personally receive the body upon its arrival in Katsina.
“A brief military ceremony will be held at the airport before the remains are moved to Daura for the Jana’iza (funeral prayer) and final interment at the late President’s residence,” Idris said.
As part of national mourning activities, condolence registers have been opened across all Federal Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), as well as Nigerian embassies and missions worldwide. An additional register is available at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja.
The Minister noted that global leaders have continued to send in condolence messages, describing the outpouring of tributes as a testament to Buhari’s legacy and international stature.
To ensure a dignified and seamless burial programme, President Tinubu has constituted an Inter-Ministerial Committee led by Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume. The committee is working in conjunction with the Katsina State Government and the Buhari family.
In further tribute, 25 members of the Federal Executive Council have been directed to travel to Katsina to participate in the burial rites and remain in Daura for the Third-Day prayers scheduled for Wednesday.
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