Final Hours of Buhari: Daura, Abdulsalami Recount Last Moments of Late Former President

Fresh revelations have emerged regarding the final hours of former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away on Sunday in a London hospital at the age of 82. His close confidant and nephew, Mallam Mamman Daura, along with other family members, offered emotional insights into the last days and unexpected passing of the late statesman.

Speaking to THISDAY, Daura recalled that he spent Saturday with Buhari at the London Clinic, where they shared warm conversations and laughter. According to him, Buhari remained in high spirits throughout their meeting, and plans were actively underway for his discharge later in the week.

“I was with him on Saturday, and we spoke about a lot of things. He was cheerful, and we even discussed arrangements for his return to Nigeria,” Daura revealed. “He wanted to ensure that all hotel expenses for family and aides in London were cleared before his discharge.”

Daura further disclosed that he left the hospital at around 9 p.m. on Saturday with the intention of returning the next day. However, Buhari’s health suddenly deteriorated on Sunday afternoon while he was having breakfast. He began experiencing breathing difficulties around midday. Despite desperate efforts by medical personnel, the former President passed away at approximately 4:30 p.m.

“There was no indication he would not make it,” one family member told THISDAY, echoing Daura’s sentiments. “Everything seemed fine until his condition took a sudden and tragic turn.”

Meanwhile, former Head of State General Abdulsalami Abubakar also shared personal reflections on Buhari’s final days. In a televised interview, Abubakar confirmed that he, too, had been receiving treatment at the same hospital in London. He was discharged shortly before Buhari’s death.

“I had just been discharged when I got the devastating news,” Abubakar recounted. “I rushed back to the hospital to pay my respects and support the family in preparing for the journey back home.”

Abubakar reminisced about his long-standing relationship with Buhari, which began in 1962 when both men joined the Nigerian Army. “He was my senior, and during the civil war, we served in the same combat sector,” he noted.

Describing Buhari as a “quiet, honest gentleman,” Abubakar said the former President was a man of deep integrity. “You could entrust Buhari with anything—he would never betray your trust.”

Reflecting on Buhari’s legacy, Abdulsalami praised his commitment to the fight against corruption, although he admitted that some individuals in Buhari’s government failed to uphold the same standards. “He meant well for Nigeria. Unfortunately, not everyone around him shared his discipline and vision.”

Abubakar also acknowledged the profound impact Buhari’s death would have on Nigeria and the broader African region. He commended President Bola Tinubu for the swift directive that sent Vice President Kashim Shettima and Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila to London to coordinate the repatriation of Buhari’s remains.

“The gesture reflects the significance of Buhari’s contribution to Nigeria,” Abdulsalami said. “His death is a monumental loss. It will definitely influence the course of Nigerian politics — and I hope, for the better.”

As Nigerians mourn the loss of one of the country’s most prominent leaders, preparations continue for Buhari’s state burial in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State.

—This report was originally published by THISDAY Newspaper. It has been extensively rewritten..