President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday received the remains of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Airport in Katsina, marking an emotional moment in Nigeria’s ongoing period of national mourning.
Buhari, who passed away in London at the age of 83, was flown back to his home state in a Nigerian Air Force aircraft draped with the national flag. His body was received with full state honours, under tight security, as dignitaries, family members, and government officials gathered to pay their final respects.
Tinubu was accompanied by Vice President Kashim Shettima, First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, and several top cabinet members. The President stood solemnly as Buhari’s coffin was lowered from the aircraft, symbolizing the state’s highest respect for the late leader.
The late president’s widow, Aisha Buhari, appeared visibly emotional, standing beside the First Lady during the brief ceremony. Other members of the Buhari family were also present, with clerics offering short prayers before the entourage departed for Daura, Buhari’s hometown.
According to Islamic rites, the former president will be buried later today in his family compound after the Janazah (funeral prayer).
The solemn airport ceremony precedes what is expected to be a massive turnout in Daura, where political heavyweights, traditional rulers, and religious leaders will converge for Buhari’s burial. Former Vice Presidents Yemi Osinbajo and Atiku Abubakar, ex-Senate President Ahmad Lawan, and business mogul Aliko Dangote are among those already in Katsina to honour the late leader.
Thousands of mourners are expected to line the streets of Daura as Buhari’s body makes its final journey. Security has been tightened across Katsina, with armed personnel stationed at strategic locations to ensure order.
Buhari, who ruled Nigeria as a military head of state between 1983 and 1985 before returning as a democratically elected president from 2015 to 2023, is remembered for his tough anti-corruption policies, frugal lifestyle, and conservative leadership style.
Though opinions remain divided over his economic policies and handling of security challenges during his tenure, Buhari was widely respected for his personal integrity and discipline in public service.
In a statement released earlier, President Tinubu described Buhari as “a patriot who dedicated his life to the service of Nigeria and left behind a legacy of honesty, resilience, and public accountability.”
Across Nigeria, prayers have been held in mosques and churches for the late president. In Gombe, thousands of residents gathered to perform Salat al-Gha’ib, seeking Allah’s forgiveness for Buhari’s shortcomings and eternal rest in Jannatul Firdaus.
With Buhari’s burial set for later today, tributes continue to pour in from world leaders and former colleagues, reflecting his significant influence on Nigeria’s political landscape for over four decades.
