President Bola Tinubu, alongside several former Nigerian leaders, is expected to gather in Daura today for the burial of ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, in accordance with Islamic rites.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, acting on the president’s directive, accompanied the body of former President Buhari from London, where he passed away around 4:30 p.m. on Sunday.

Presidency sources told The PUNCH on Sunday night that Buhari’s remains are expected to arrive in Nigeria early Monday and will be transported to his hometown, Daura, in Katsina State, for burial.

The official, who preferred to stay anonymous, said …

“The burial is tomorrow (Monday). They’re bringing his corpse over tonight. They’ll go straight to Daura. So, they’ll bury him tomorrow (Monday).

You know, the Islamic rites don’t take time.”

Another source speaking to PUNCH said...

“When the corpse arrives, we are sure the President will go there. After they go to Daura, the president can join them there.”

Regarding the potential arrival of other African heads of state for condolence visits, a third official said, “Yes, there would be mainly West African leaders. But we don’t know who and who until they start to communicate on Monday.”

The official also added...

“The body will arrive early tomorrow and be buried. We’ll start having heads of state from West Africa. It is likely that some will come.

“If they come, they will stay in their hotels until they get a time to see the President tomorrow (Monday).

“You know, the President just came back in the early hours of today. And he’s still resting.”