Long before Aisha Buhari became the First Lady, there was Safinatu Buhari, Buhari’s first wife and the original matriarch of his household. Born in 1952 in Plateau State and raised in Kaduna, Safinatu was just 18 years old when she married Muhammadu Buhari in 1971. She came from a quiet, respectable northern family and was known for her elegance and calm demeanor.
When Buhari became Nigeria’s military Head of State in 1983, Safinatu quietly stepped into the role of First Lady. Unlike any previous First Lady Nigeria had seen, she was soft-spoken, mostly kept out of the public eye, and was rarely photographed. Instead, she focused on raising her children and managing the home front.
However, their marriage ended in divorce in 1988, three years after Buhari was overthrown and imprisoned following a military coup. Reports suggest that ideological and personal differences during his detention may have contributed to their separation. Safinatu passed away in 2006 at the age of 54 after battling diabetes.
Buhari and Safinatu had five children, though one passed away at a young age. Here’s what we know about them:
Zulaihat (Zulai) Buhari
Zulaihat “Zulai” Buhari Junaid (born December 5, 1972 – died November 29, 2012) was the eldest daughter of Buhari and Safinatu. Known for her humility and quiet grace, she was deeply cherished by those close to her. She began her schooling in the U.S. as a child, attended the Air Force Military School in Lagos, and then Queens College, Lagos. She later completed high school at Federal Government College, Kaduna, and earned a B.Sc. in Economics and a Postgraduate Diploma in Management from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
– *Personal Life:* Married to retired Captain Mahmud Junaid, she was a devoted wife and mother of three children; two older ones and a newborn at the time of her death. Zulai also bravely lived with sickle-cell anemia throughout her life. Tragically, she died at age 40 from sickle-cell complications two days after giving birth in a private clinic in Kaduna. Her death deeply impacted Buhari and led to widespread condolences, including from then-President Goodluck Jonathan and northern governors.
Fatima Buhari
Fatima Buhari, the second daughter of Safinatu and Buhari, has maintained a modest presence in the public eye, but her life is far from low-profile. She studied medicine at Ahmadu Bello University and later pursued postgraduate training abroad. Her professional journey includes notable roles within both the Nigerian and international health sectors.
Hadiza Buhari
Nana Hadiza Buhari isn’t as visible in the media as some of her younger half-siblings, but she has led a well-rounded life. She attended First Essence International School in Nigeria, continued her studies at Cobham Hall in Kent, UK, and graduated from the University of Buckingham. She completed postgraduate studies in International Affairs and Strategic Studies at Kaduna Polytechnic.
Hadiza’s first marriage was to Abdulrahman Mamman Kurfi, with whom she had six children before their marriage ended in divorce. On July 8, 2022, she quietly married Attorney-General Abubakar Malami in a private nikah ceremony at the State House mosque in Abuja. Their union attracted modest public interest, though they kept festivities minimal.
Safinatu Lami Buhari
Safinatu Lami Buhari, the youngest daughter, has remained notably private while quietly building a life centered on education and family.
Born on October 13, 1983, she was named after her mother. She began her education at Essence International School, then attended Cobham Hall in Kent, UK. She earned her first degree from the University of Plymouth and later continued her studies at Arden University in the UK.
Aisha Buhari’S Children
Many of Aisha Buhari’s children grew up in the public eye, attending elite schools, making high-profile marriages, and occasionally courting controversy.
Zahra Buhari
Zahra Muhammadu Buhari-Indimi stands out as the most visible and socially engaged of Aisha’s children, combining education, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy in her public life. Zahra began her schooling in Nigeria, attending Kaduna International School.
Yusuf Buhari
Yusuf Muhammadu Buhari is the only son of former President Muhammadu Buhari and First Lady Aisha Buhari. He has become a symbol of elite youth in Nigeria, attracting both criticism and admiration for his public presence and high-profile life choices. Yusuf studied in the UK, earning his degree from the University of Surrey in Guildford, following in the footsteps of his sister, Zahra.
In April 2017, Yusuf survived a serious accident while riding his power bike, which raised national concern and led to widespread speculation and rumors about his health.
Halima Buhari-Sheriff
Halima Muhammadu Buhari-Sheriff, born October 8, 1990, is the eldest daughter of former President Muhammadu Buhari and First Lady Aisha Buhari. A lawyer by training and a well-respected public figure, she balances her professional career with a notable presence in public life.
Halima attended International School in Kaduna, British School of Lomé, and Bellerby’s College in Brighton, UK. She graduated with a law degree from the University of Leicester and later earned her B.L. (Bar License) after attending Nigerian Law School. Halima was officially called to the Bar on July 14, 2016, in a ceremony that was attended by President Buhari, Aisha, and her siblings, Yusuf and Zahra. She currently works as a lawyer and has previously served as a prosecutor and Deputy Director at the Borno State Ministry of Justice.
Amina (Noor) Buhari
Amina Buhari was born on September 14, 2004. Although she rarely steps into the public spotlight, here is what is known about her:
Amina is currently a student at Kaduna International School, following the academic path set by her older siblings.
Aisha Buhari
As the youngest child, Aisha is still coming of age and has not yet been active in public life.
Musa Buhari
Musa Buhari passed away many years ago at a young age due to sickle cell anaemia. Not much information is available about him, as he was from the first wife.
