Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari dies in London aged 82

Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has passed away at the age of 82.

Muhammadu reportedly died at a London hospital in the United Kingdom (UK) on Sunday, around 4:30 pm, while receiving treatment for an undisclosed ailment.

Garba Shehu, Muhammadu's long-time spokesperson, confirmed his passing in a statement on X on Sunday.

"The family of the former president has announced the passing of the former president, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, this afternoon in a clinic in London. May Allah accept him in Aljannatul Firdaus, Amin," said Garba.

Shortly after, the Nigerian government similarly confirmed Muhammadu's death, announcing that President Bola Tinubu had instructed Vice-President Kashim Shettima to travel to the UK to accompany his remains back to Lagos.

The Nigerian government added that Tinubu had personally spoken to Aishat Buhari, the late president's widow, and conveyed his condolences.

"President Tinubu has announced the passing of his predecessor, President Muhammadu Buhari. President Buhari died today in London at about 4.30 pm, following a prolonged illness," said Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President, in a statement on X.

"President Tinubu has spoken with Aishat Buhari, the former president's widow and offered deep condolences. President Tinubu has also directed Vice-President Kashim Shettima to proceed to the United Kingdom to accompany Buhari's body back to Nigeria."

The former military ruler served as Nigeria's democratically elected president from 2015 to 2023, completing two terms in office.

He first led the country as military head of state between 1983 and 1985 after a coup, before being ousted.

While he will be remembered for launching high-profile anti-corruption investigations, expanding Nigeria's social investment programmes and stepping up the fight against Boko Haram in the northeast, his tenure was marred by persistent economic hardships and press freedom violations.