Former President Muhammadu Buhari has been confirmed dead on Sunday, July 13, 2025, in a London clinic, according to statements from his former aide Bashir Ahmad and spokesperson Garba Shehu.

In a brief statement, Garba Shehu said: "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."

History of Medical Trips

Buhari, who served as Nigeria's president from 2015 to 2023, had a well-documented history of seeking medical treatment abroad. During his eight-year tenure, he made at least 13 known medical trips to the United Kingdom.

His health concerns became public knowledge in February 2016 when he first traveled to the UK for what was described as a "medical vacation" lasting approximately six days. Later that year, in June, he sought treatment for a persistent ear infection, which led to the cancellation of a scheduled working visit to Lagos State.

The former president's most extended medical absence occurred between May and August 2017, when he spent 104 days in London receiving treatment. During this period, limited official updates fueled widespread speculation about his health condition, with some rumors even suggesting he had died.

Upon his return from one of his medical trips in 2018, Buhari candidly told Nigerians, "I've never been so sick in my life," revealing that he had undergone a blood transfusion.

Final Days

Buhari's last known medical trip was described as a "routine check-up" in London in May 2025, coinciding with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) 50th anniversary celebrations. During this event, he sent a letter to the delegation in Lagos through President Bola Tinubu, extending his well wishes to the African leaders in attendance.

Reports emerged in recent weeks that the former president had been admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of an undisclosed London hospital before his eventual passing on Sunday.

In response to the news, President Tinubu has dispatched Vice President Kashim Shettima to the UK to accompany Buhari's remains back to Nigeria for burial according to Islamic rites.

The news of his death has prompted reactions from various Nigerian leaders and international figures, including World Trade Organization Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who described the news as "unbelievable."

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