Former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Tanko Muhammad, has passed away.
Justice Muhammad, an indigene of Doguwa in Giade Local Government Area of Bauchi State, reportedly died at a hospital in Saudi Arabia, barely two weeks before his 72nd birthday, which would have been marked on December 31.
Reacting to the news, Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, expressed deep sorrow and extended condolences to the family of the late jurist over his demise.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Mukhtar Gidado, the governor described the former CJN as a revered jurist whose personal life and professional journey reflected unwavering dedication to duty, integrity in public service, and an unshakable commitment to the rule of law.
“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.
The governor noted that Justice Muhammad’s legal career was marked by diligence and distinction, as he rose steadily through the ranks of the judiciary, serving as a Judge of the High Court, Justice of the Court of Appeal, and later as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. He ultimately became the Chief Justice of Nigeria, a position he held from 2019 to 2022, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a firm dedication to justice at the pinnacle of the nation’s judicial system.
“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.
“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 said.
Governor Mohammed also prayed that Almighty Allah grant the late jurist Al-Jannatul Firdaus and give strength and comfort to his family, associates, and all those grieving his loss.
Justice Muhammad’s death comes almost three and a half years after he stepped down from office on health grounds on June 27, 2022.
His resignation occurred 18 months before his expected retirement date of December 31, 2023, when he would have attained the mandatory retirement age of 70.
He was Nigeria’s 17th Chief Justice, assuming office after the controversial suspension of his predecessor, Walter Onnoghen, in January 2019.
Justice Muhammad served as CJN for three years and five months before his sudden resignation in June 2022, which followed a major crisis at the Supreme Court. At the time, 14 of his colleagues on the apex court bench accused him of impeding the court’s operations, citing issues related to funding for judges’ welfare and essential services such as power supply.
What you should know
Justice Tanko Muhammad was one of Nigeria’s most senior jurists, whose career spanned decades across the High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court.
His tenure as Chief Justice of Nigeria was shaped by both landmark responsibilities and intense institutional challenges. Though he exited office amid controversy linked to administrative disputes within the Supreme Court, he remained a significant figure in Nigeria’s judicial history.
His death in Saudi Arabia marks the end of an era for the Nigerian judiciary, particularly for Bauchi State, where he is widely regarded as one of its most accomplished sons.
