President Bola Ahmed Tinubu today, Tuesday, July 15, 2025, personally received the remains of former President Muhammadu Buhari at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport in Katsina. The solemn event marked the arrival of the late leader’s body from London, where he passed away on Sunday at the age of 82.

President Tinubu arrived in Katsina from Abuja at precisely 1:42 p.m., where he was received with a guard of honour. Just minutes later, at 1:51 p.m., a Nigerian Air Force plane, which had conveyed the late president’s body from the United Kingdom, touched down.

The casket, gracefully draped in the Nigerian national flag, was met at the foot of the aircraft by a somber assembly of dignitaries. Leading the reception was President Tinubu himself, flanked by Vice President Kashim Shettima, who had accompanied the remains from London. Also present were the President of Guinea-Bissau, Umaro Sissoco Embaló; Nigerien Prime Minister Ali Lamine Zeine; former Nigerien President Issoufou Mahamadou; and former Nigerian Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.

Buhari’s widow, Mrs. Aisha Buhari, along with other close family members, were also on ground to receive their beloved patriarch. Other high-ranking officials included the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, Katsina State Governor Dikko Umar Radda, and members of the Federal Executive Council.

A solemn military ceremony ensued as a joint team of pallbearers, comprising nine senior officers from the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Air Force, wheeled the casket in a slow, dignified march. The procession passed through a full military guard of honour as the hymn, “God Be With You Till We Meet Again,” played softly, adding to the poignant atmosphere.

Following the brief but emotional ceremony at the airport, the remains of the former President were immediately conveyed to his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, where he will be laid to rest later today in accordance with Islamic rites. The Federal Government had earlier declared Tuesday, July 15, a public holiday to honour the late leader, as part of a seven-day national mourning period.