Nigeria’s judiciary has been thrown into mourning following the death of a former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, who passed away in Saudi Arabia after a period of illness.
He died barely two weeks to his 72nd birthday, which would have been marked on December 31.
Justice Muhammad, a native of Doguwa in Giade Local Government Area of Bauchi State, was one of the country’s most senior jurists, having served at every level of the Nigerian judicial hierarchy before rising to the nation’s highest judicial office.
Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, confirmed the death and expressed deep sorrow over the loss.
He described the late jurist as a distinguished son of the state whose career was defined by discipline, integrity and devotion to justice.
In a condolence message issued through his spokesperson, Mukhtar Gidado, the governor said Justice Muhammad’s death represents a major loss not only to Bauchi State but to the entire Nigerian judiciary.
He noted that the former CJN devoted his life to public service and the defence of the rule of law, earning widespread respect within and outside the legal community.
Mohammed traced the late jurist’s career path, recalling that he steadily rose through the ranks of the legal profession, serving with distinction as a judge of the High Court, Justice of the Court of Appeal, Justice of the Supreme Court, and ultimately as Chief Justice of Nigeria between 2019 and 2022.
According to the governor, his elevation to the position of CJN was a reflection of decades of commitment to the legal system and national service.
The governor also noted that Justice Muhammad’s conferment with the national honour of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) underscored the impact of his contributions to Nigeria’s judicial development.
He described him as a patriotic Nigerian whose life’s work strengthened the foundations of justice and constitutional governance.
Prayers were offered for the repose of the former CJN’s soul, with the governor asking Allah to grant him Al-Jannatul Firdaus and to give comfort to his family, colleagues and all Nigerians mourning his passing.
Justice Tanko Muhammad’s death comes more than three years after his sudden resignation from office on June 27, 2022, which he attributed to health challenges.
His exit came 18 months before his statutory retirement age of 70 and followed a turbulent period within the Supreme Court, marked by internal disagreements and public allegations concerning administrative and welfare issues at the apex court.
He was Nigeria’s 17th Chief Justice and assumed office in January 2019 following the suspension of his predecessor, Justice Walter Onnoghen.
His tenure lasted three years and five months, a period that witnessed both significant judicial decisions and internal institutional challenges.
As news of his death spread, tributes continued to pour in from across the country, reflecting his long years of service and the enduring mark he left on Nigeria’s legal and judicial landscape.
