How Nigeria’s Former President Muhammadu Buhari Died in London
How Nigeria’s Former President Muhammadu Buhari Died in London
London, July 13 — Eagles Sight News reports that Nigeria’s former President Muhammadu Buhari has died in London after battling a prolonged illness, his family and official sources confirmed on Sunday. He was 82.
According to statements released by the presidency in Abuja, Buhari passed away at approximately 4:30 p.m. GMT in a private medical facility where he had been receiving treatment for leukemia over several months. Close aides disclosed that his condition deteriorated steadily in recent weeks despite intensive medical care and the presence of his immediate family by his side.
In an official announcement, family spokesperson Mallam Garba Shehu conveyed the news with a brief statement shared publicly:
INNA LILLAHI WA INNA ILAIHIR RAJI’UN. 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.”
The message was also posted on social media by his former aide, Bashir Ahmad, prompting a wave of tributes from political leaders, regional organizations, and ordinary Nigerians.
Buhari first rose to national prominence in December 1983 when he led a military coup that overthrew Nigeria’s civilian government. As a military head of state, he launched a strict campaign against corruption and what he termed “indiscipline,” policies that earned him both praise for restoring order and criticism for authoritarian excesses. He was deposed in August 1985.
Decades later, Buhari returned to the political arena as a civilian, contesting multiple presidential elections before winning in 2015. His victory marked the first time an incumbent president was defeated at the ballot box in Nigeria’s history. He was re-elected in 2019 and concluded his second term in May 2023.
While many credited him with efforts to combat graft and insurgency, his administration faced intense scrutiny over rising insecurity, economic hardship, and allegations of human rights abuses. The #EndSARS protests against police brutality in 2020 became a defining moment of public dissent during his tenure.
President Bola Tinubu has declared a period of national mourning and ordered flags to be flown at half-mast in recognition of Buhari’s decades of public service.
Family representatives indicated that Buhari’s remains will be flown back to Abuja in the coming days for burial rites according to Islamic customs and state honors.