BREAKING: Former President Buhari dies after prolonged illness

…As Tinubu orders flags to fly at half-staff

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

Nigeria’s former President Muhammadu Buhari has passed away at a London hospital after a prolonged illness.

Buhari and Garba Shehu

The news was confirmed by his spokesperson, Garba Shehu, who wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “The family of the former president has announced the passing on of the former president, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, this afternoon in a clinic in London. May Allah accept him in Aljannatul Firdaus, Amin.”

President Bola Tinubu has also confirmed Mr. Buhari’s passing and has dispatched Vice President Kashim Shettima to the UK to accompany the remains of the departed leader to Nigeria.

Tinubu and Buhari

In a statement, presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga said, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced the passing of his predecessor, President Muhammadu Buhari.

“President Buhari died today in London at about 4:30 pm, following a prolonged illness.”

Mr. Buhari served as Nigeria’s President from 2015 to 2023 and also served as military head of state from January 1984 to August 1985.

President Tinubu has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff as a mark of respect for the departed leader.

The government has also announced plans to repatriate Mr. Buhari’s remains to Nigeria.

STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE

PRESIDENT TINUBU ANNOUNCES PRESIDENT BUHARI’S PASSING, ORDERS VP SHETTIMA TO THE UK TO ACCOMPANY BODY BACK HOME

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced the passing of his predecessor, President Muhammadu Buhari.

President Buhari died today in London at about 4.30 pm, following a prolonged illness.

President Tinubu has spoken with Mrs Aisha Buhari, the former President’s widow and offered his deep condolences.

President Tinubu has also ordered Vice President Kashim Shettima to proceed to the United Kingdom to accompany President Muhammadu Buhari’s body back to Nigeria.

Former President Buhari was twice elected Nigeria’s President in 2015 and 2023.

He also served as military head of state between January 1984 and August 1985.

President Tinubu has ordered flags at half-staff as a mark of respect for the departed leader.

Bayo Onanuga

Special Adviser to the President)(Information & Strategy)June 13, 2025