Former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad (retd.), has died at the age of 71.
Mukhtar Gidado, Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to Governor Bala Muhammad, confirmed this in a statement, on Tuesday.
“It is with profound sadness and deep sense of loss that His Excellency, Sen. Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed CON , Fnipr ( Kauran Daular Usmaniyya ) the Executive Governor of Bauchi State, on behalf of his family, the Government and the good people of Bauchi State, joins all Nigerians in mourning the sudden passing of Honourable Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, GCON, a distinguished son of our great State, who died today in Saudi Arabian hospital after a prolonged illness,” the statement read.
Governor Bala Mohammed described late justice Ibrahim Tanko as a venerable jurist whose life and career exemplified dedication to duty, integrity in service and steadfast commitment to the rule of law.
The governor added that the deceased rose through the legal profession with diligence and distinction, serving with honour as Judge of the High Court, the Court of Appeal and ultimately as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria and later served as the Chief Justice of Nigeria from 2019 to 2022, bringing to the highest office in the nation’s judiciary his wealth of experience, and commitment to justice.
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“During his illustrious career, Justice Tanko Muhammad was widely respected for his legal acumen, his discipline, and his contributions to the development of Nigeria’s judicial system. His elevation to the national honour of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) was a testimony to his impactful service to the nation.”
Mohammed extended heartfelt condolences to the entire family of the late jurist, friends, colleagues in the legal profession, and the citizens of Bauchi State and Nigeria at large.
“Justice Tanko Muhammad exemplified the qualities of a patriotic Nigerian whose life was committed to the service of justice and the advancement of our great nation. His passing is a significant loss not only to Bauchi State but to the Nigerian judiciary and the rule of law,” the governor remarked.
He further prayed that Almighty Allah grant the departed soul Al- Jannatul Firdaus, and comfort his family, loved ones and all who mourn him at this difficult time.
The National Judicial Council (NJC) also sent a condolence letter says the Chief Justice of Nigeria and Chairman, NJC, Justice Kudirat Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, GCON, on behalf of the entire Judiciary commiserates with the family and the government and people of Bauchi State over the death of the former Chief Justice of Nigeria.
The letter signed by the Secretary of the NJC notes that though death is a painful reality, the NJC is consoled by the fact that His Lordship, the late CJN left a legacy of hardwork, honesty and dedication to work.
A part of the condolence letter reads, “The late Hon. Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, GCON, who would have been 72 years by 31s December 2025, was a devout Muslim, a respected Jurist, who was courageous with exemplified highest ideals of the Bench.”
Late Justice Tanko Muhammad began his career in 1982, after he was called to the bar in 1981, the same year he graduated from the Nigerian Law School. In 1989, he was appointed as Chief Magistrate of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, a position he held until 1991 when he became a Judge at the Bauchi State Sharia Court of Appeal. He served in that capacity for two years before he was appointed to the Bench of the Court of Appeal in 1993.