JUST IN: Shettima leads delegation to London to repatriate Buhari’s remains

A high-powered presidential delegation led by Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in London to coordinate the repatriation of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari’s remains.

Dispatched by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the delegation includes the Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila. The team landed in the United Kingdom on Monday morning to oversee final arrangements for the dignified return of Buhari, who passed away on Sunday afternoon in a London hospital after a prolonged illness.

Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, and Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, received the delegation at the airport.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice President), Stanley Nkwocha, confirmed their arrival in a brief update.

Following the announcement of Buhari’s death, President Tinubu ordered the national flag to be flown at half-staff and instructed Vice President Shettima to lead the mission to London.

The late Buhari served as Nigeria’s Head of State from 1984 to 1985 and later as a democratically elected President from 2015 to 2023. He was widely hailed as a symbol of discipline, patriotism, and integrity.

Preparations are now underway for the return of his remains to Nigeria, where he will be accorded full state honours and official mourning rites.