The family of retired Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Mohammed Uwais, has confirmed his passing at the age of 89. He died on Friday, June 6, 2025, in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
Born on June 12, 1936, Justice Uwais had a distinguished legal career, serving as CJN from 1995 until his retirement in 2006. Following his tenure, he was appointed by the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua to lead the Electoral Reform Committee, significantly contributing to reforms in Nigeria’s electoral system.
Justice Uwais’s illustrious career spanned various roles, including State Counsel, Chief Judge of Kaduna State, Justice of the Court of Appeal, and Justice of the Supreme Court. He held numerous national and international positions, including Chairmanship of the National Judicial Council, the Nigerian Body of Benchers, and the Nigerian Electoral Reform Committee.
A widely respected jurist, he was also recognized as an Honorary President of the World Jurist Association and Chancellor of Umaru Musa Yar’adua University, Katsina. Justice Uwais’s legacy is marked by his profound contributions to Nigeria’s judiciary and legal reforms.