LONDON, England — Fresh details have emerged surrounding the final moments of former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away in a London clinic on Sunday, July 14, 2025, at the age of 82.
Mamman Daura, a longtime confidant and close nephew of the late leader, has revealed that Buhari was in high spirits on Saturday, July 12, 2025, and had even made plans to return to Nigeria later in the week.
Daura, who visited the former president on Saturday, said there were no signs that Buhari’s health would take a sudden turn.
“We were together on Saturday talking and laughing,” Daura recalled.
“He was in high spirits in the London Clinic where he was admitted. He had plans to leave for Nigeria after discharge and was already arranging to clear the hotel bills of those in London on his behalf.”
Daura, said he left Buhari’s bedside around 9 p.m. on Saturday and promised to return the following afternoon.
However, Buhari’s condition deteriorated rapidly on Sunday, July 13, 2025, while he was having breakfast.
Around midday, he began experiencing breathing difficulties. Despite the best efforts of the attending medical team, he passed away at approximately 4:30 p.m.
Former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, also confirmed that he was in the same hospital as Buhari prior to the latter’s death.
In an interview with national television, Abdulsalami disclosed that he had only just been discharged when he received the news and rushed to offer condolences to the family.
“We were in the same hospital together. I had been discharged, and when I heard the news of his passing, I quickly went there,” Abdulsalami said.
Reflecting on their shared military history, Abdulsalami noted that his relationship with Buhari dated back to 1962, when both men joined the Nigerian Army. He described the late president as a “gentleman” and “exceptionally honest”.
“You can trust Buhari with anything on this earth and he will not betray you,” he said.
Abdulsalami praised Buhari’s anti-corruption drive during his civilian presidency from 2015 to 2023, though he acknowledged that several officials in Buhari’s administration did not live up to expectations.
“He tried his best to fight corruption. Unfortunately, some of the officials who served with him were found wanting,” he noted.
The elder statesman called Buhari’s passing a “big blow” not just to Nigeria but to the African continent.
“With the passing away of Buhari, politics in Nigeria will certainly change — I hope for the better,” he said.
In recognition of Buhari’s stature and contributions to the nation, President Bola Tinubu dispatched Vice President Kashim Shettima and Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila to London to oversee the repatriation of the former president’s remains and coordinate with the family.
