Former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, has passed away at the age of 71.
Reports indicate that he died in a hospital in Saudi Arabia, just two weeks shy of his 72nd birthday, which would have been on December 31.
Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed confirmed the death in a statement of condolence issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mukhtar Gidado. The governor described Justice Muhammad as a dedicated Nigerian who devoted his life to justice and the progress of the nation. “His passing is a monumental loss, not just to Bauchi State, but to the Nigerian judiciary and the rule of law,” the statement read.
In related news, President Bola Tinubu expressed his sorrow over the former CJN’s death, as did Senator Buba, who praised Muhammad’s legacy in the judiciary. Both the Supreme Court and the National Judicial Council (NJC) also mourned his passing.
The Nigeria Association of Muslim Law Students (NAMLAS) issued a heartfelt tribute titled “NAMLAS Condolence Message on the Passing of Hon. Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, GCON, Former Chief Justice of Nigeria.” In their statement, NAMLAS described his death as an immense loss to the judiciary, the legal profession, the Muslim community, and the nation as a whole. “To Allah we belong, and to Him we shall return,” they said, expressing profound sorrow over the loss.