Alhaji Mamman Daura, a prominent journalist and close confidant of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, has disclosed the final moments of the ex-Nigerian leader before his death in London.
In an exclusive with THISDAY, Daura recounted spending time with Buhari at the London Clinic just a day before his passing. According to him, Buhari was in high spirits on Saturday, July 13, engaging in conversation and making plans to return to Nigeria later in the week.
Daura noted that the former president had been making arrangements to ensure the comfort of his supporters who had travelled to London, including settling their hotel bills in preparation for his expected discharge.
“I was with him until around 9 p.m. on Saturday,” Daura shared. “We spoke extensively, and he was in a cheerful mood. Everything seemed in order. He was particularly looking forward to a scheduled visit by his doctor on Sunday morning.”
However, the situation reportedly changed drastically the next day. By midday on Sunday, Buhari began experiencing severe breathing difficulties. Despite the swift intervention of medical personnel, his condition deteriorated rapidly. He passed away at approximately 4:30 p.m.
Buhari, who ruled Nigeria from 2015 to 2023, had been receiving treatment in London for an undisclosed illness. His death has prompted an outpouring of condolences across Nigeria and from international leaders, marking the end of a significant chapter in the nation’s political history.
