Amanze Chinonye
Former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad (rtd.), has died at the age of 71.
Justice Muhammad reportedly passed away in a hospital in Saudi Arabia, about two weeks before his 72nd birthday, which would have fallen on December 31, Prime Business Africa reports.
His death was confirmed on Tuesday in Abuja by the Nigerian Association of Muslim Law Students (NAMLAS) in a condolence statement titled “NAMLAS Condolence Message on the Passing of Hon. Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, GCON, Former Chief Justice of Nigeria.”
Join our WhatsApp ChannelREAD ALSO : British Airways Cancels Abuja-Heathrow Morning Flight Over AVM Obierika’s In-flight Death
WHO Urges Urgent Action to Eliminate Hepatitis as Liver Cancer Deaths Rise
Describing his passing as a monumental loss, NAMLAS said the former CJN’s death had left a deep void in the Nigerian judiciary and the wider society.
“Indeed, to Allah we belong, and to Him we shall return,” the statement read.
“The Nigerian Association of Muslim Law Students 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.”
NAMLAS described the late jurist as a towering figure of integrity, humility and unwavering commitment to justice, noting that throughout his judicial career, he exemplified fairness, courage and fidelity to the rule of law.
The association said that during his tenure as Chief Justice, Justice Muhammad discharged his responsibilities with wisdom and restraint, leaving behind a legacy that would continue to guide generations of legal practitioners.
Beyond his judicial service, NAMLAS highlighted his mentorship role among young Muslim law students nationwide, describing him as a fatherly figure and source of encouragement.
“To NAMLAS, the late Chief Justice was more than a jurist; he was a fatherly pillar and a source of encouragement to Muslim law students across the country,” the statement added.
Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad served as Chief Justice of Nigeria from 2019 until his retirement in 2022, following health challenges.
The association extended condolences to his family, the Nigerian judiciary, the Federal Government and the Muslim Ummah, while praying for the repose of his soul.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
