The family of Nigeria’s former President, Muhammadu Buhari, has announced his passing at the age of 82. He died this afternoon at a private clinic in London, United Kingdom.
Buhari, born on December 17, 1942, was a retired Nigerian Army Major General and politician. He served as Nigeria’s military Head of State from December 31, 1983, to August 27, 1985, following a military coup.
Decades later, he returned to power as a democratically elected leader, serving as President of Nigeria from 2015 to 2023.
IREPORT247NEWS had earlier reported that the former president was recuperating in London following a recent illness. He was admitted into the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a hospital in the UK after complications arose during what was initially described as a routine medical check-up.
A family member familiar with his condition told Empowered Newswire that although Buhari had publicly described his trip to London as a standard health assessment, his health deteriorated shortly after arrival, leading to his ICU admission.
He was later discharged from intensive care and was reportedly making steady recovery, though the specific nature of his illness was never officially disclosed. This lack of detail fuelled widespread speculation and concern among Nigerians both at home and in the diaspora.
Buhari’s fragile health became more evident when he missed the 50th anniversary celebration of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), held in Lagos on May 28. In a statement issued at the time, he expressed regret for his absence, citing ongoing medical evaluations in the UK.
“Regrettably, I am currently in the United Kingdom undergoing routine medical check-ups and therefore unable to attend this historic event,” Buhari had stated.
Earlier, on May 1, a photograph surfaced online showing the former president in London during a courtesy visit by Abdulrasheed Bawa, the former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). However, details of their meeting were not made public.
READ MORE – Ex President Buhari Battles Illness, Recovering After ICU Stay in UK
Throughout his presidency, Buhari was often criticised for his frequent medical trips abroad, particularly to the United Kingdom. This recurring pattern attracted scrutiny, with many Nigerians expressing concern over the state of healthcare within the country.
His death marks the end of a significant era in Nigeria’s political and military history, leaving behind a complex legacy that spans decades of leadership both as a military ruler and a democratically elected president.