Contrary to earlier reports, the burial of former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari will now take place on Tuesday, not Monday as initially announced.
The former president passed away on Sunday afternoon in a London clinic, where he had been undergoing treatment. His death was confirmed in an official statement by his former Special Assistant, Garba Shehu.
On Monday morning, a presidential delegation touched down in London to oversee arrangements and facilitate the repatriation of Buhari’s body back to Nigeria, The Nation earlier reported.
The Deputy Governor of Katsina State, Lawal Jobe, officially announced the change in burial plans during a media briefing on Monday afternoon. Jobe, who arrived at the former president’s Daura residence at exactly 11:27 a.m., said the postponement was necessary to finalize preparations for Buhari’s final rites.
Security has been heightened around Daura as the town prepares to receive the late statesman’s remains and honour him with a burial befitting his status.
Further updates on the funeral proceedings are expected from the presidency and family in the coming hours.