The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) and Chairman of the National Judicial Council, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, and the Supreme Court of Nigeria have expressed sorrow over the death of a former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad.
Muhammad died in the early hours of Tuesday, December 16, 2025. He would have been 72 years old on December 31, 2025.
In a condolence statement signed by the Secretary of the National Judicial Council, Ahmed Gambo, Justice Kekere-Ekun described the death of the former head of the Nigerian judiciary as “a painful loss to the nation and the judiciary.”
While acknowledging the pain associated with death, the CJN said the judiciary was consoled by the enduring legacy left behind by the late jurist, noting that Justice Muhammad would be remembered for “his hard work, honesty and dedication” to the administration of justice.
She described the late former CJN as a devout Muslim and a highly respected jurist who exemplified the highest ideals of the Bench, adding that he discharged his duties with courage, integrity and humility.
Justice Muhammad served as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria from 2006 to 2022 and as Chief Justice of Nigeria from 2019 until his resignation in June 2022 on grounds of ill health.
Born in Bauchi State, he was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1981 and began his judicial career in 1982. He was appointed Chief Magistrate of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in 1989, served until 1991, and later became a judge of the Bauchi State Sharia Court of Appeal. In 1993, he was elevated to the Court of Appeal before rising to the Supreme Court.
On behalf of the Nigerian judiciary, Justice Kekere-Ekun extended condolences to President Bola Tinubu, the government and people of Bauchi State, the immediate family of the deceased, and the legal community.
She prayed that Almighty Allah grant the family “the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss” and that the legacy of Justice Tanko Muhammad’s integrity and dedication to justice would continue to inspire the nation.
Similarly, the Supreme Court of Nigeria, in a statement issued by its Director of Information and Public Relations, Festus Akande, described the late former CJN as a jurist whose tenure was marked by a strong commitment to the rule of law, judicial independence and fair administration of justice.
“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 statement said.
The apex court added that Justice Muhammad played a significant role in strengthening the appellate system, improving procedural efficiency, promoting the professional development of judges and judicial staff, and fostering a culture of transparency and accountability within the judiciary.
Leave a Comment