Former Nigerian Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (Rtd.), has disclosed that he and the late President Muhammadu Buhari were receiving treatment at the same hospital in London shortly before Buhari’s passing.
In an interview with Channels Television on Monday, Abdulsalami revealed that he had just been discharged when he heard the news of Buhari’s death.
“Unfortunately, we were in the same hospital. I had just been discharged when I heard of his passing. I went to console the family and help with arrangements to prepare the body for transport back home,” he said.
Sources within the presidency confirmed that General Abdulsalami was undergoing treatment for age-related complications during his stay in London.
President Buhari’s death was officially announced on Sunday. His remains were initially expected to arrive in Nigeria on Monday, but logistics setbacks have caused a delay.
Former presidential aide Bashir Ahmad shared an update on X (formerly Twitter) Monday afternoon. He stated that Buhari’s body is now scheduled to arrive in Katsina by noon on Tuesday, July 15, 2025. The funeral will take place in his hometown, Daura, at 2:00 p.m. the same day.
“The body of the late President Muhammadu Buhari is expected in Katsina at 12:00 noon tomorrow. The burial will follow at 2:00 p.m. in Daura, according to Islamic rites,” Ahmad posted.
Multiple sources in London confirmed that the delay was due to flight schedules, hospital clearance, and other logistical issues. The earliest available flight is now set for Tuesday morning or early afternoon.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, who is already in London, has been informed of the new arrangements. He is also updating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Meanwhile, a presidential source revealed that President Tinubu is reconsidering the schedule for a planned special Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting. Initially set for Tuesday to honor Buhari, the session may now be shifted to Wednesday due to the burial rescheduling.
The President had originally intended to attend the funeral in Daura on Monday, then return to chair the FEC meeting on Tuesday. With the new developments, changes are being made to accommodate the updated timeline.
