Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, has announced the burial arrangements for Nigeria’s former President, Muhammadu Buhari, who died on Sunday, 13 July 2025, in a London hospital at the age of 82.

Speaking at a press briefing on Monday, Radda said the decision followed consultations with Buhari’s family and close associates in London. He revealed that the former president’s remains would arrive in Katsina by noon on Tuesday, 15 July, and would be buried in his hometown of Daura by 2pm the same day.

Radda conveyed his condolences on behalf of himself, the Katsina State Government, and the people of the state, describing Buhari as a national icon whose legacy would endure.

Buhari passed away at the London Clinic, where he had been receiving medical care for an undisclosed illness. His death was confirmed in a statement by his former Special Adviser, Garba Shehu.

“The family of the former president has announced the passing of Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, this afternoon in a clinic in London,” Shehu said on Sunday evening.

In the days leading up to his death, Buhari had been undergoing treatment in London. Although his condition had initially been downplayed, with Shehu stating last week that he was in recovery and “getting better each day,” he eventually succumbed to the illness.

Dignitaries including former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd), former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, and former Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, visited him at the clinic. Also present were Governor Dikko Radda, Niger State Governor Umar Bago, BUA Group Chairman Abdulsamad Rabiu, and Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar.

Buhari served as Nigeria’s elected president from 2015 to 2023, having previously ruled as military Head of State between January 1984 and August 1985.

His death has triggered an outpouring of tributes from across Nigeria and beyond. President Bola Tinubu, his successor and longtime political ally, was among the first to express his condolences.

Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga said Tinubu had spoken with Buhari’s widow, Mrs Aisha Buhari, and offered his sympathies. The president also directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to travel to the United Kingdom to accompany Buhari’s body back to Nigeria.

As a mark of respect, Tinubu ordered that national flags be flown at half-mast nationwide.

Born on 17 December 1942 in Daura, Katsina State, Buhari was raised by his mother following his father’s death when he was just four years old. He received education in Katsina, the United Kingdom, India, and the United States.

His military career spanned several key roles, including Governor of Borno State (1975), General Officer Commanding the 4th and later 3rd Armoured Divisions, Military Secretary, and member of the Supreme Military Council.

He also served as Federal Commissioner for Petroleum Resources and Chairman of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation. He rose to power following the 1983 military coup, becoming Head of State and Commander-in-Chief. His military regime was widely known for the War Against Indiscipline, a campaign aimed at restoring order and civic responsibility.

In August 1985, he was overthrown by General Ibrahim Babangida. Nearly a decade later, in 1994, he was appointed Executive Chairman of the Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF), which oversaw major development projects during the military era.

Buhari’s burial in Daura is expected to attract high-level mourners from across the country and abroad, with security agencies and state officials preparing for a state-acknowledged but locally conducted funeral in accordance with Islamic rites.