Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari was laid to rest in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, in a solemn ceremony marked by full military and national honours alongside Islamic funeral rites.
The burial took place in the courtyard of his private residence, shortly after Janazah (funeral) prayers held at a nearby makeshift ground.
The historic event drew a large crowd of mourners, including family members, traditional rulers, political leaders, and prominent individuals. Buhari’s casket, draped in the green-white-green Nigerian flag, was carried to the graveside by military pallbearers, accompanied by a ceremonial gurney.
According to Daily Post Nigeria, Nigerian soldiers paid their final respects with a gun salute, while a military band played a solemn trumpet tribute.
Buhari’s body had been flown into Nigeria from London ahead of the burial.
PHOTO NEWS: Ex-President Buhari Buried After State Funeral
The late president, initially wrapped in the green-white-white colours of the Nigerian flag, was interred at about 5:50pm, in accordance with Islamic tradition and his personal wish to be buried at home rather than in a… pic.twitter.com/ngtWTHjo7i — LEADERSHIP NEWS (@LeadershipNGA) July 15, 2025
Upon arrival at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport, the late president's body was received by top officials, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and Katsina State Governor Dikko Umar Radda, before being transported to Daura under tight security.
Buhari died at the age of 82 in a London hospital after a period of illness.
A former military ruler who later transitioned into a democratically elected leader, Buhari governed Nigeria for two terms from 2015 to 2023.
He made history in 2015 by becoming the first opposition candidate to defeat a sitting president, after three unsuccessful attempts, and his victory was seen as a major milestone in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
He was re-elected in 2019.
Popular among the Talakawa, a Hausa term for the northern poor, Buhari was widely respected for his perceived integrity.
His military background earned him public confidence in his pledges to combat Boko Haram, curb corruption, and address unemployment.
Born in 1942, Buhari first seized power in 1983 through a military coup.
His regime was known for anti-corruption efforts and enforcing public discipline, though it also drew criticism for press restrictions and the jailing of journalists.
He was overthrown in 1985 and briefly imprisoned, later re-entering politics and embracing democratic governance, though he often defended his controversial military-era policies.
Nicknamed “Baba Go Slow” for his cautious leadership style, Buhari was known for taking six months to appoint his first cabinet.
Towards the end of his presidency, his health deteriorated, prompting frequent medical trips abroad, often shrouded in secrecy.
He is survived by ten children and was married twice.
