By Ghazali Ibrahim
Former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad (rtd.), has died at the age of 71, BlackBox Nigeria confirmed on Tuesday.
According to reports, Justice Tanko Muhammad passed away on Tuesday in a hospital in Saudi Arabia, where he had been receiving medical treatment. The late jurist’s death was confirmed in a condolence statement issued by the Nigerian Association of Muslim Law Students (NAMLAS) in Abuja.
NAMLAS described his passing as a “monumental loss to the Nigerian judiciary, the legal profession, the Muslim Ummah, and the nation at large.”
In its statement titled “NAMLAS Condolence Message on the Passing of Hon. Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, GCON, Former Chief Justice of Nigeria”, the association highlighted his integrity, humility, and unwavering commitment to justice, stating he exemplified the highest ideals of the bench throughout his career.
A native of Giade Local Government Area, Bauchi State, Tanko Muhammad was born on December 31, 1953, and served as Nigeria’s 17th Chief Justice from
January 2019 until his resignation in June 2022.
He retired on health grounds after more than three decades in the judiciary, having previously served as a Justice of the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal.
In addition to his leadership on the nation’s highest bench, NAMLAS noted his mentorship of young law students and his role as a source of encouragement to aspiring legal minds across the country.
Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed mourned the ex–CJN as a “venerable jurist whose life and career were marked by dedication, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to the rule of law.” The governor also praised Tanko Muhammad’s contributions to Nigeria’s judicial development.
Justice Tanko Muhammad’s remains are expected to be returned to Nigeria for burial in accordance with Islamic rites. Funeral arrangements are yet to be officially announced.
