Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in the United Kingdom to oversee the return of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari’s body to Nigeria for burial, following a directive from President Bola Tinubu.
Shettima touched down in London on Monday morning, accompanied by President Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, and his wife, Nana Shettima. They were received at the airport by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, alongside Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum.
Confirming the development, the Vice President’s spokesperson, Stanley Nkwocha, issued a statement noting that the delegation proceeded immediately to the hospital where the former president passed away.
Buhari died on Sunday afternoon at the age of 82 after battling a long-term illness. His passing occurred around 4:30 p.m. in a London hospital, sparking a wave of tributes from political leaders and citizens across the country.
A native of Daura in Katsina State, Buhari served as Nigeria’s military ruler from 1984 to 1985 and later returned as a democratically elected president in 2015, completing two terms before leaving office in 2023.
The late president’s remains are expected to be flown back to Nigeria once all necessary arrangements in the UK are finalized. His burial is scheduled to take place in Daura today, in accordance with Islamic rites.
President Tinubu, who confirmed Buhari’s death in an official statement, also announced a seven-day national mourning period. As part of the tribute, flags across the country are to be flown at half-mast in honour of the former leader.
