Mary Akanbi
13th July, 2025
Nigeria’s former President Muhammadu Buhari has passed away in a London hospital at the age of 82
The family of former President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, has announced his death in a London clinic on Sunday afternoon.
The brief statement, signed by his spokesman Garba Shehu, confirmed the passing.
The statement read: “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.”
Buhari, who served as Nigeria’s President from 2015 to 2023 and earlier as military Head of State from 1983 to 1985, had been receiving treatment in London since April 2025. Initial reports described the visit as a medical check‑up, but sources confirmed he fell ill soon after arriving and remained hospitalised.
During his presidential tenure, Buhari’s frequent and prolonged foreign medical trips sparked both criticism and concerns over domestic healthcare infrastructure.
At 82 years old, Buhari’s passing marks the end of an era.
Born on 17 December 1942 in Daura, Katsina State, Muhammadu Buhari was a retired Major General in the Nigerian Army and a prominent figure in Nigeria’s political and military history.
He first came to national prominence following the military coup of December 1983, which ousted the civilian administration of President Shehu Shagari. Buhari then served as military Head of State from 1983 to 1985 before being overthrown in another coup led by General Ibrahim Babangida.
