In a rare deviation from standard military protocol, the remains of former President Muhammadu Buhari were flown to Nigeria inside the main cabin of a Nigerian Air Force jet, rather than the cargo hold typically used for such purposes.
The decision, Observers Times gathered, stemmed from a logistical complication at a British airport, where the casket carrying Buhari’s body could not fit into the aircraft’s cargo compartment.
“You would have noticed that the remains of the former President were not in the cargo hold, as is the standard procedure, but in the main cabin,” a source familiar with the arrangements disclosed. “The corpse was brought in a casket draped with the Nigerian flag. However, it could not fit into the aircraft’s hold, which isn’t designed for such items, and the British airport authorities wouldn’t budge due to safety concerns.”
According to the source, rather than using a body bag as an alternative, which would have easily fitted into the hold, the handlers opted for a more dignified approach. “To avoid using a body bag, it took considerable time and persuasion to properly wrap the remains and drape them in the national flag. The front seats were then collapsed and the tables unfolded to create a bed-like space for the remains to be tied down,” the source added.
The remains, transported with full military respect, were accompanied by a joint team of nine senior military officers who served as pallbearers. The high-ranking officers, coordinated by Major General Mike Alechenu, included Maj Gen Mohammed Usman, Maj Gen Oluwafemi Williams, Maj Gen Shuaibu Nuhu, Rear Admiral Suleiman Dahun, Rear Admiral Jonathan Ajodo, Rear Admiral Samuel Ngatuwa, Air Vice Marshal Adeniyi Amesinlola, Air Vice Marshal Idi Sanni, and Air Vice Marshal Obinna Obiabaka.
As the casket arrived at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport in Katsina, the pallbearers, in a slow ceremonial march to the hymn “God Be With You Till We Meet Again,” wheeled it past a full military guard of honour. The escort included six officers and 96 soldiers drawn from across the Nigerian Armed Forces.
President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, and a host of dignitaries followed the solemn procession behind the casket, which was placed on a trolley. The pallbearers then transferred it into a waiting military hearse for the final journey to Buhari’s hometown in Daura.
The state funeral was marked by military precision and ceremonial reverence, featuring a 21-gun salute and Islamic funeral prayers before the late President was laid to rest at his private residence.
President Tinubu, accompanied by Vice President Shettima, was at the airport to receive the casket upon arrival. Among other prominent dignitaries present were President Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea-Bissau, Niger Republic’s Prime Minister, Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine, and former Nigerien President Issoufou Mahamadou.
Tinubu had arrived in Katsina at exactly 1:42 pm and inspected a military guard of honour. The Nigerian Air Force jet conveying Buhari’s body landed at 1:51 pm.
In Daura, a massive crowd turned out to bid farewell to the former President, with many young mourners climbing trees to catch a glimpse of the burial rites. The interment, held with full national honours, marked the final chapter in the life of one of Nigeria’s most prominent military and political leaders.
