Fresh reports from the United Kingdom indicate that Nigeria’s immediate past President, Muhammadu Buhari, was recently admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) in London following a health-related episode during a routine medical visit abroad.
A close relative of the former president, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the development, noting that although the nature of the ailment was not disclosed, Buhari has since been discharged and is currently in recovery. The source added that the former leader is responding well to treatment and is being closely monitored by medical experts.
The incident has reignited public interest in Buhari’s health, a subject that frequently drew national attention during his time in office. It comes at a time when another prominent figure, Mamman Daura — a respected elder statesman and Buhari’s uncle and long-time confidant — is also reportedly recuperating from an undisclosed illness in the UK.
Buhari’s absence from the 50th anniversary celebration of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which held in Lagos on May 28, had raised eyebrows. However, a letter addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu from Buhari later explained that he was unable to attend the event due to previously scheduled medical appointments in the United Kingdom.
Earlier in May, a photograph of Buhari alongside former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Abdulrasheed Bawa, surfaced online. The picture, reportedly taken during a private meeting in London, stirred curiosity among political observers. However, details of the visit and issues discussed remain undisclosed.
Though now out of intensive care, Buhari is said to be under strict observation and is expected to remain in London until he has fully recovered and received medical clearance to return home.
The former president, who led Nigeria between 2015 and 2023, had frequently traveled to the UK during his administration for health-related reasons. His latest health scare, though now stabilised, has once again brought to the fore conversations around medical tourism and the health of Nigeria’s elite political class.