The Chief Justice of Nigeria and chairman of the National Judicial Council, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has expressed sorrow over the death of former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad.
Justice Muhammad died in the early hours of Tuesday. He would have turned 72 on December 31.
In a statement signed by the secretary of the National Judicial Council, Ahmed Gambo, Justice Kekere-Ekun commiserated with the family of the late jurist, as well as the government and people of Bauchi State.
She said the judiciary was saddened by his death but was consoled by the legacy of “hard work, honesty and dedication” he left behind.
Justice Kekere-Ekun noted that Justice Muhammad’s years on the Bench reflected commitment to judicial service and the administration of justice.
She spoke on behalf of the Nigerian judiciary in extending condolences to President Bola Tinubu, the Bauchi State government and people, the immediate family of the late former CJN and members of the legal profession.
She also prayed that Almighty Allah grant the family the strength to bear the loss and that his record of service would remain a reference point within the judiciary.
Justice Muhammad served as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria from 2006 until 2022.
He was appointed Chief Justice of Nigeria in 2019 and resigned from office in June 2022 on health grounds.
He was born in Bauchi State and was called to the Bar in 1981.
He began his judicial career in 1982 and was appointed Chief Magistrate of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in 1989, a position he held until 1991.
He later became a judge of the Bauchi State Sharia Court of Appeal.
In 1993, he was elevated to the Court of Appeal and subsequently appointed to the Supreme Court, where he served until his retirement.
The Supreme Court of Nigeria also announced his death in a statement issued by its Director of Information and Public Relations, Festus Akande.
The court said Justice Muhammad’s time on the Bench reflected commitment to the rule of law, judicial independence and the administration of justice.
According to the statement, “his keen intellect and compassionate demeanour earned him the respect of judges, lawyers and citizens alike, as his contributions have indelibly shaped Nigeria’s legal landscape.”
The Supreme Court noted that he contributed to the appellate system, court procedures, the training of judges and judicial staff and internal accountability within the judiciary.
Justice Muhammad is survived by members of his family.
The court and the Chief Justice of Nigeria prayed for the repose of his soul.
