Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has reportedly been battling an undisclosed illness that led to his admission into an intensive care unit (ICU) in a hospital in the United Kingdom. The news, first reported by Empowered Newswire, has sparked widespread concern and renewed public attention on the health status of Nigeria’s former leader.
Sources close to the former president confirmed that Buhari fell ill while in London for a routine medical check-up. According to reports, the condition was serious enough to warrant his admission into intensive care. He has since been discharged and is now recuperating in London under close medical supervision. There is no official word yet on when he will return to Nigeria, but sources say he is expected back home once he fully recovers.
Although details of the illness remain undisclosed, the development has fueled discussions across Nigeria, particularly as Buhari had previously spent extended periods abroad during his presidency for medical reasons.
Adding to the concerns, It was also reported that Mamman Daura, a long-time confidant and uncle to the former president, is currently undergoing recovery in the UK as well. Daura has often been described as one of Buhari’s most influential advisers, and his health status has also drawn public interest.
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Buhari’s absence was particularly noted during the 50th anniversary celebration of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), held in Lagos on May 28, 2025. His failure to attend the high-profile event raised eyebrows, especially given his status as a former Head of State who played a role in regional diplomacy. In a letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Buhari explained that his inability to attend was due to ongoing medical appointments in the United Kingdom.
Earlier on May 1, a photo surfaced online showing former EFCC chairman Abdulrasheed Bawa visiting Buhari in London. The image, which quickly went viral, marked one of the rare public glimpses of the former president since he left office in May 2023.
This latest report has reignited conversations about the health of Nigerian leaders and the longstanding practice of seeking medical care abroad. However, Nigerians at home and in the diaspora continue to send their prayers and well-wishes for Buhari’s full recovery.