“He Was Laughing the Night Before” — Mamman Daura Shares Buhari’s Final Hours
Mamman Daura, nephew to the late Muhammadu Buhari, has opened up about the former president’s final hours—describing them as surprisingly hopeful and filled with conversation.
In a heartfelt reflection shared with ThisDay, Daura recalled spending Saturday evening with Buhari at the London Clinic, where he had been undergoing treatment. Despite his condition, Buhari appeared upbeat.
“We spent the evening talking and laughing,” Daura said. “He was in high spirits and already making plans to return home.”
According to him, Buhari was so confident about his recovery that he gave instructions to settle hotel bills for his team in London ahead of his planned discharge. Everything pointed toward a return to Nigeria within days.
“I left the hospital around 9 p.m. He was doing well and looking forward to his doctor’s visit the next morning,” Daura continued.
But things changed quickly.
By midday Sunday, the former president began experiencing difficulty breathing. Medical staff acted swiftly, but despite their efforts, he passed away around 4:30 p.m.
The unexpected turn of events has left many stunned, especially those closest to him. Daura’s account paints a picture not of a man fading quietly, but one who remained mentally present and hopeful, right until the very end.
