Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari is currently recuperating in London following a recent illness that led to his admission into the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a hospital in the United Kingdom.
Buhari, who left Nigeria some weeks ago for what was initially described as a routine medical check-up, reportedly developed complications and had to be moved into intensive care.
A relative familiar with the situation disclosed to Empowered Newswire that while the former president had publicly announced his trip as a standard health check, his condition worsened shortly after his arrival in the UK, necessitating more intensive medical attention.
He was discharged from the ICU last week and is said to be steadily recovering. However, the specific nature of his illness remains undisclosed, sparking widespread speculation and concern among Nigerians both at home and abroad.
Confirming the development, Garba Shehu, a long-time media aide to Buhari, told Leadership Newspaper that the former president had indeed fallen ill during his visit to the UK. Shehu assured the public that Buhari is responding positively to treatment and expressed optimism about his full recovery.
“It is true that the former President, Muhammadu Buhari, is unwell. He has been receiving treatment in the UK,” Shehu stated. “You would recall he made it known that he was going for his annual medical check-up. He became ill there, but I am happy to announce to you that he is doing well in his recovery. We pray for his healthy recovery.”
While the illness remains officially unidentified, Shehu’s statement put to rest several days of public speculation, especially following Buhari’s prolonged stay abroad and his absence from recent public events.
In a related update, sources revealed that Buhari’s close uncle and long-time associate, Mallam Mamman Daura, is also in the UK undergoing treatment after falling ill. Daura, who has been a trusted adviser and confidant of the former president, is reportedly making progress in his recovery as well.
Buhari’s health condition was further highlighted when he was unable to attend the 50th anniversary celebration of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which was held in Lagos on May 28.
In a statement released at the time, the former president expressed his regrets, citing ongoing medical evaluations in the United Kingdom as the reason for his absence.
“Regrettably, I am currently in the United Kingdom undergoing routine medical check-ups and therefore unable to attend this historic event,” he had said.
Prior to that, on May 1, a photo circulated online showing Buhari in London during a courtesy visit by Abdulrasheed Bawa, the former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Details of the visit, however, were not disclosed.
During his two-term presidency between 2015 and 2023, Buhari was frequently criticised for seeking medical care abroad, especially in the UK. His recurrent medical trips sparked national controversy, particularly because they contradicted his campaign promises to halt medical tourism and strengthen Nigeria’s local healthcare infrastructure.
As the former president continues his recovery in London, Nigerians await his return and updates on his health, even as the issue once again ignites debate on the state of the country’s medical system and its dependency on foreign care for high-profile figures.