The claim that former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari died in 2017 and was replaced by a sudanese clone named "Jubril" stems from rumors fueled by social media and the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
In 2017, Muhammadu Buhari, who was president at the time, spent significant periods in London for medical treatment due to an undisclosed illness. His prolonged absences, including a 104-day medical leave from May to August 2017, sparked widespread speculation about his health which led to the rumors that he had died and been replaced by a body double from Sudan.
Buhari and his administration repeatedly denied these claims. In December 2018, while attending a conference in Poland, Buhari addressed the rumors directly, stating, “It’s the real me, I assure you,” and dismissed those spreading the rumors as “ignorant and irreligious.” His spokesman, Garba Shehu, also refuted the claims, and Buhari continued to make public appearances, including meetings with international leaders, proving he was alive. No credible evidence, such as a death certificate or official report, ever supported the claim of his death in 2017. The rumors were largely dismissed as fake news by reputable media and fact-checking organizations like AFP Fact Check.
The persistence of these rumors can be attributed to:
- Buhari’s Health Issues: His frequent medical trips to London and lack of transparency about his illness created a vacuum that fueled speculation.
- Before 2017, Buhari’s health was a topic of concern, especially during his 2015 presidential campaign. At age 72 when he took office in May 2015, critics questioned his physical fitness to lead. In 2016, he made medical trips to London, including one in June for an ear infection, as confirmed by his office.
- Buhari’s health became a major issue in 2017 when he spent over 150 days in London for medical treatment, including a 104-day stint from May to August, for an undisclosed illness. This absence sparked rumors of his death and the “Jubril” conspiracy theory, claiming he was replaced by a body double. After returning in August 2017, Buhari resumed public duties, campaigned successfully for re-election in 2019, and completed his second term in May 2023, handing over power to Bola Tinubu. During this period, he appeared relatively fit, making public appearances, meeting international leaders, and engaging in political activities, though he continued occasional medical trips to London.
After leaving office in May 2023, reports indicate he fell seriously ill again in late 2024 or early 2025, culminating in his death on July 13, 2025, in a London clinic at age 82. This illness could be associated with his age after 8 years attending presidentials and the long years spent on campaign trail. The significant difference in his body features like signatures, ear, facial, cheekbone etc also further this narrative
