Shettima, Gbajabiamila Arrive in London to Receive Buhari’s Body

 In a somber and highly anticipated diplomatic mission, Vice President Kashim Shettima and Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila touched down at Heathrow Airport in London at approximately 2:00 a.m. local time on Monday, July 14, 2025, to oversee the repatriation of former President Muhammadu Buhari’s remains. 

The arrival follows the sudden announcement of Buhari’s death on Sunday, July 13, at a private clinic in London, where the 82-year-old had been receiving extensive medical care for an undisclosed illness that had plagued him intermittently since his presidency. President Bola Tinubu ordered the high-level delegation to ensure a dignified return of the body, setting the stage for a state funeral in Daura, Katsina State, Buhari’s ancestral home.

The mission involves meticulous coordination between Nigerian diplomatic staff, British authorities, and a contingent of military personnel tasked with securing the transfer. A specially chartered Nigerian Air Force aircraft, equipped for such sensitive operations, stands ready at a private hangar, with plans to depart London by midday and arrive in Abuja by late afternoon, where a ceremonial reception is anticipated. 

The delegation’s arrival has drawn significant attention from the Nigerian diaspora in the UK, with hundreds gathering outside the airport to pay respects, while security measures have been heightened to manage the emotional crowds. Tinubu has declared a seven-day mourning period, with flags at half-mast across government buildings, and preliminary discussions are underway to organize a public lying-in-state in Abuja before the burial, though logistical details remain fluid. This event not only marks the end of an era for Buhari’s supporters but also underscores the ongoing challenges of managing high-profile state funerals in Nigeria.