Buhari’s final journey: Shettima, family members depart London with body

By Paul Dada

The remains of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away on Sunday at the age of 82, left London on Tuesday morning.

The body which is  being accompanied by  by Vice President  Kashim Shettima and family members of the deceased, is being conveyed on a Nigerian Air Force aircraft.

Confirming the departure of  Buhari’s remains, Mr Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of The Vice-President,  said ” I can only confirm that the Vice-President Kashim Shettima, as directed by President Bola Tinubu, has departed London for Nigeria in the company of some family members of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari.

“They are accompanying the remains of the late former President for burial in Daura, Katsina State later today.

“Other members of the Federal Government’s delegation, as sent by President Tinubu, have also departed for Nigeria.”

Buhari’s body is expected in Nigeria at noon and will be received by President Bola Tinubu, according to the Minister of Information and National  Orientation, Mohammed Idris.

Idris said a  brief military ceremony would be held at the airport in Abuja before the Buhari’s body is moved to Daura in Katsina state.

The burial of the former president will take place around 2:00 pm.