Fatima Buhari, daughter of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, has revealed that her father once feared he was being secretly monitored while in office at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Her revelations are contained in a new biography titled From Soldier to Statesman: The Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari, written by Dr. Charles Omole, Director-General of the Institute for Police and Security Policy Research. The book was unveiled in Abuja on Monday.
Fatima disclosed that her father’s suspicions about hidden surveillance devices inside his office led them to communicate in writing rather than speaking aloud whenever they met.
On one occasion, she recalled, Buhari motioned to her silently to avoid talking and instead exchange notes.
“He touched his cheek, like he had a toothache, and signalled that we shouldn’t talk. We wrote notes to each other, like spies in a film,” she said.
She said the former president often believed eavesdropping devices had been planted in his office and warned her to be careful with her words, insisting he himself remained constantly on guard.
According to the book, the situation reflected the level of distrust that overshadowed Buhari’s administration, where privacy was nearly impossible even at the highest levels of government.
Fatima suggested that those behind the alleged surveillance were part of an influential inner circle widely referred to as “the cabal.”
The author also referenced claims from some former security aides that unidentified objects were occasionally found in Buhari’s office and bedroom during security checks, though no one could confirm how such suspicious items got there.
Fatima described the atmosphere inside the Villa as uncomfortable and, at times, eerie.
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“We’re Africans. We know supernatural powers,” she said, careful not to go into too much detail but adding that “some things are best left to divine judgment.”
Despite these concerns, she said her father chose restraint over confrontation, preferring to deal quietly with those around him.
“He understands people’s histories, their parents, their families—and he doesn’t want to destroy hope,” Fatima explained.
She said once Buhari trusted someone, it was difficult for him to withdraw that trust unless compelling evidence emerged against them.
According to her, he believed in subtle correction rather than public humiliation or dismissal.
Fatima also admitted to living in fear for her father’s safety, hinting that there were some attempts to harm him while he was in office.
“There were attempts. Harm was done, but his time was not yet,” she said without further elaboration.
She revealed that Buhari occasionally treated her harshly in public to disguise their closeness and protect her from political hostility.
“I cried in front of them, but deep inside, he would call me and the kids,” she recalled.
The revelations offer a rare window into Buhari’s personal life and mindset during his presidency, portraying a man who, despite his authority as Commander-in-Chief, often felt surrounded by distrust and intrigue in his own workspace.