Just two weeks to his 72nd birthday, former Chief Justice of Nigeria Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad has passed away at a Saudi Arabia hospital.
The Nigerian Association of Muslim Law Students (NAMLAS) confirmed his death on Tuesday in Abuja, describing the passing of the former CJN as a significant loss for the country.
“The Nigeria Association of Muslim Law Students (NAMLAS), National Headquarters, Abuja, receives with profound sorrow the news of the passing of Honourable Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, GCON, former Chief Justice of Nigeria.
” His demise is a monumental loss to the Nigerian judiciary, the legal profession, the Muslim Ummah, and the nation at large,” NAMLAS said.
“Justice Muhammad is a towering figure of integrity, humility, and unwavering commitment to justice. Throughout his judicial career, Muhammad “exemplified the highest ideals of the Bench—fairness, courage, and fidelity to the rule of law.
“As Chief Justice of Nigeria, he discharged his responsibilities with wisdom and restraint, leaving behind a legacy of service that will continue to guide generations of legal practitioners,” the statement added.
Beyond his role on the Bench, the association noted the late jurist’s mentorship of young Muslim law students across the country.
Born on December 31, 1953, in Doguwa, Bauchi State, to a Fulani family, obtained a Master’s degree in law in 1984 and a Ph.D. in law in 1998 from the same university.
He became a judge at the Bauchi State Sharia Court of Appeal in 1991and elevated to the Court of Appeal in 1993 while he was appointed as Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria in 2006.
He served as Chief Justice of Nigeria from 2019 to 2022 and was conferred with the national honor of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) in 2022.
During his tenure as Chief Justice, Muhammad was known for his commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring the independence of the judiciary.
His resignation came amid allegations of corruption and misappropriation of funds, which he denied, citing health reasons.
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