Former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, has died at the age of 71.
The Nigerian Association of Muslim Law Students (NAMLAS), National Headquarters, Abuja, confirmed his death on Tuesday, saying he passed away at a hospital in Saudi Arabia.
“Ex-CJN Tanko Muhammad is dead. He passed away this morning at a Saudi Arabian Hospital,” the source said.
In a condolence statement titled “NAMLAS Condolence Message on the Passing of Hon. Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, GCON, former Chief Justice of Nigeria,” the association described his death as a profound national loss.
“Indeed, to Allah we belong and to Him we shall return,” the statement read.
“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,” the association said.
NAMLAS described the late jurist as “a towering figure of integrity, humility, and unwavering commitment to justice,” noting that throughout his career he “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.
Justice Muhammad hailed from Doguwa Giade Local Government Area of Bauchi State. He attended Government Secondary School, Azare, where he obtained his West Africa School Certificate in 1973. He later studied at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, earning an LL.B in Islamic Law in 1980, followed by an LL.M in 1985 and a Ph.D in Law in 1998.
Called to the Nigerian Bar in 1981, he began his legal career in 1982. He was appointed Chief Magistrate of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in 1989, serving until 1991, before becoming a Judge of the Bauchi State Sharia Court of Appeal.
In 1993, he joined the Nigerian Court of Appeal, where he served for 13 years, before his elevation to the Supreme Court in 2006. He was sworn in as a Justice of the Supreme Court on January 7, 2007.
On July 11, 2019, Justice Muhammad was nominated by then President Muhammadu Buhari as substantive Chief Justice of Nigeria, following a recommendation by the National Judicial Council.
He resigned as Chief Justice on June 26, 2022, citing ill health.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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