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Former President Muhammadu Buhari Recovering in UK After ICU Admission

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Muhammadu Buhari

Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has reportedly been discharged from the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a London hospital after a recent health scare, Empowered Newswire reports.

According to the outlet, Buhari, who has been abroad for several weeks, initially travelled to the United Kingdom for what was described as a routine medical check-up. However, he reportedly fell ill and was moved into intensive care. He was discharged from the ICU last week and is now recuperating in London, with plans to return to Nigeria once his recovery is complete.

While the specific nature of Buhari’s illness has not been disclosed, sources confirmed that he is stable and under close medical observation. In a related development, Buhari’s uncle and long-time confidant, Mallam Mamman Daura, is also said to be recovering from an illness in the UK.

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Health Challenges Affecting Public Engagement

Buhari’s health condition had earlier prevented him from attending the 50th anniversary celebration of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), held in Lagos on May 28. In a statement at the time, the former president said ongoing medical assessments in the UK made it impossible for him to be present.

“Regrettably, I am currently in the United Kingdom undergoing routine medical check-ups and therefore unable to attend this historic event,” Buhari stated.

On May 1, a photo of Buhari with Abdulrasheed Bawa, the former chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), surfaced online. The purpose of Bawa’s visit to Buhari in London remains unknown.

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A History of Foreign Medical Trips

During his eight years in office, President Buhari was widely criticized for his repeated medical trips abroad, especially to the UK. His frequent absences—often cloaked in secrecy—drew sharp criticism from Nigerians who pointed to his campaign promises to end medical tourism and strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system.

Buhari’s first medical trip as president occurred in February 2016, just months after taking office. Though labeled a short vacation, it was later revealed that he had sought medical care during the visit. He returned to London again in June 2016 for treatment of an ear infection—a move the Nigerian Medical Association publicly questioned, stating that local doctors were capable of managing such conditions.

The most controversial of Buhari’s medical leaves came in January 2017, when he embarked on what was called a “medical vacation.” He remained in London for 50 days, returned in March, and left again in May of the same year for an extended 104-day stay abroad. Throughout this period, the presidency provided no detailed explanation about his condition, prompting widespread speculation and concern.

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Between 2018 and 2023, Buhari continued to make frequent medical visits to London, typically for what were described as routine consultations. His final medical trip as president came in May 2023 after attending the coronation of King Charles III, during which he reportedly underwent a dental procedure.

Cost and Public Criticism

Cumulatively, Buhari is believed to have spent over 230 days abroad for medical reasons during his presidency. Media estimates placed the cost of his medical-related travels—including the use and maintenance of the presidential jet—between ₦1.1 billion and ₦5.4 billion. These estimates do not account for medical bills, accommodation, or the costs of his entourage.

His reliance on foreign medical care became a flashpoint in national discourse, with many viewing it as emblematic of the government’s neglect of Nigeria’s failing healthcare infrastructure.

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Dr. Osahon Enabulele, former President of the World Medical Association, called the situation a “national shame,” while opposition figures like Omoyele Sowore criticized Buhari for failing to establish even one world-class hospital during his administration.

Despite the backlash, Buhari often defended his medical travels by citing continuity in care and long-standing relationships with UK-based physicians. His administration offered minimal transparency regarding his health, reinforcing a longstanding pattern of secrecy around the medical conditions of Nigerian leaders.

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