The third-day Fidau Prayer for former President Muhammadu Buhari is being held this morning, Wednesday, July 16, 2025, in Daura, Katsina State.
He passed away on July 13, 2025, in London, England, at the age of 82 years, six months, and 26 days. He was born on December 17, 1942.
A Fidau prayer is an Islamic prayer for the deceased, where friends and relatives gather to pray for the forgiveness of the deceased's sins and to seek blessings for their afterlife.
The gathering typically involves the recitation of the Holy Quran, prayers, and sometimes charitable acts performed on behalf of the deceased.
Buhari's death has led to a declaration of seven days of national mourning, during which the national flag will fly at half-mast. His state funeral was held on Tuesday afternoon, July 15, in Daura, witnessed by thousands of sympathizers.
The funeral prayer, conducted according to Islamic rites by Chief Imam of Daura Sheikh Alhaji Salisu Rabiu, saw a significant gathering of dignitaries. President Bola Tinubu led a delegation of African leaders, high-ranking government officials, traditional rulers, political leaders, and citizens.
Notable international attendees included President Umaru Sissoci Embaló of Guinea-Bissau, Prime Minister of Niger Ali Lamine Zeine, and former President of Niger Issoufou Mahamadou.
Prominent Nigerian leaders present included Vice President Kashim Shettima (who accompanied Buhari's remains from London), former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
The National Assembly leadership was also in attendance, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, Deputy Senate President Senator Barau I. Jibrin, and other senators.
Security chiefs present were Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Christopher Musa, Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, former Chief of Defence Staff Lt. Gen. Tukur Y. Buratai (rtd), and former Director General of DSS Yusuf Magaji Bichi.
Federal government officials included Senior Special Assistant to the President on Political and Other Matters Ibrahim Kabir Masari, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Minister of Housing and Urban Development Arch Ahmed Dangiwa, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Minister of State for Defence Bello Matawalle, Minister of Agriculture Senator Abubakar Kyari, former Minister of Communications Dr. Isa Ali Pantami, and former Attorney General and Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami. Mr. Seyi Tinubu, son of President Tinubu, was also present.
The Nigeria Governors’ Forum Chairman and Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq led a delegation of governors from multiple states, including Bauchi, Yobe, Kano, Kaduna, Nasarawa, Gombe, Jigawa, Kebbi, Zamfara, Sokoto, Lagos, Ogun, Edo, Imo, and Cross River. Several former governors, such as Ibrahim Shehu Shema, Ali Modu Sheriff, Nasir El-Rufai, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, and Yahaya Bello, also attended.
Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda led the state government's delegation, which included Deputy Governor Faruq Lawal Jobe, Speaker of the State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Nasir Yahaya Daura, Secretary to the State Government Barr. Abdullahi Garba Faskari, and members of the State Executive Council.
The funeral prayer, held at the PMB Helicopter Ground, was marked by an outpouring of emotion from citizens. Prayers were offered for the forgiveness of Buhari's shortcomings and for him to be granted Aljannatul Firdaus, and for strength and comfort for his bereaved family, the people of Daura, Katsina State, and all Nigerians mourning his loss.
Buhari is survived by his wife, children, and grandchildren.