JUST IN: Former President Muhammadu Buhari is Dead

The former President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, has passed away in London. This was confirmed in an official statement released this afternoon by his longtime spokesperson, Garba Shehu.

According to the statement, Buhari died at a clinic in London, where he had been hospitalized due to an undisclosed illness. He had been receiving medical care for some time before his passing.

“Inna Lillahi wa inna ilaihi raji’un. The family of the former president has announced the passing on of the former president, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, this afternoon in a clinic in London,” the statement read.

Shehu offered prayers on behalf of the family, saying: “May Allah accept him in Aljannatul Firdaus. Amin.”

Muhammadu Buhari served as Nigeria’s military head of state from 1983 to 1985 and later as a democratically elected president from 2015 to 2023. His presidency was marked by efforts to fight corruption, reform the economy, and tackle insecurity, although it faced significant criticism in his later years over worsening economic conditions and rising insecurity.

He is survived by his wife, Aisha Buhari, children, and grandchildren.

More updates and tributes are expected in the coming hours.