Daura, known for his close relationship with Buhari, was widely regarded as a key figure within the so-called ‘Buhari cabal’,  a group many, including former First Lady Aisha Buhari, believed held significant sway over the late president during his time in office.

Mamman Daura, nephew of the late President Muhammadu Buhari, is currently ill and receiving treatment at a hospital in London.

Daura, known for his close relationship with Buhari, was widely regarded as a key figure within the so-called ‘Buhari cabal’,  a group many, including former First Lady Aisha Buhari, believed held significant sway over the late president during his time in office.

The Office of Vice President, Kashim Shettima, confirmed Daura’s health condition in a statement while giving details about the Vice President’s visit to London.

Recall that Shettima, at President Bola Tinubu’s request, led a Nigerian delegation to London to bring back Mr Buhari’s body.

“On behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, upon arrival in London, met with and condoled with the family of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari in London.

“The Vice President also visited the late President’s nephew, Malam Mamman Daura, who is recuperating in a London hospital,” the VP’s office noted in the statement sent by spokeperson Stanley Nkwocha.

“The condolence visits were conducted while the vice president awaits the conclusion of procedures and documentation for the repatriation of former President Buhari’s body to Nigeria.

“Vice President Shettima is accompanied by Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Borno State Governor Professor Babagana Zulum; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar; and Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia.”

SaharaReporters earlier reported that Buhari died of leukaemia.  

In a post on his X handle Monday afternoon, Bashir Ahmad, a former aide to the late president, announced that Buhari’s body is now expected to arrive in Katsina by noon on Tuesday, with burial scheduled to take place in Daura at 2pm the same day.

“The body of the late President Muhammadu Buhari is expected to arrive in Katsina at 12:00 noon tomorrow, with funeral according to Islamic rites scheduled to take place in his hometown of Daura by 2pm on the same day,” Ahmad said.

Similarly, logistics arrangements to bring the body back home today had fallen through.

Informed sources in London told the newspaper that the earliest opportunity for the flight to make it to Nigeria is Tuesday, late in the morning or early afternoon.

This is based on several arrangements ongoing now in London, including flight timing from UK airports, hospital arrangements, and other logistics limitations.

In light of these logistical challenges, the plan to bury Buhari in Daura on Monday has now been shifted to tomorrow, Tuesday, July 15 2025.