Former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Tanko Muhammad, has passed away.
Muhammad, a native of Doguwa in Giade Local Government Area of Bauchi State, reportedly died at a hospital in Saudi Arabia, just two weeks shy of his 72nd birthday on December 31.
Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, expressed condolences to the jurist’s family over the loss. In a statement by his spokesman, Mukhtar Gidado, the governor described Muhammad as a venerable jurist whose life and career demonstrated dedication to duty, integrity, and unwavering 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 a Saudi Arabian hospital after a prolonged illness,” the statement read.
Governor Mohammed highlighted Muhammad’s distinguished career, noting that he rose through the ranks of the legal profession with diligence and distinction. He served as Judge of the High Court, the Court of Appeal, Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, and ultimately as Chief Justice of Nigeria from 2019 to 2022, bringing to the office vast experience and a commitment to justice.
“During his illustrious career, Justice Tanko Muhammad was widely respected for his legal acumen, discipline, and contributions to the development of Nigeria’s judiciary. His elevation to the national honour of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) reflected his impactful service to the nation. Justice Tanko Muhammad exemplified the qualities of a patriotic Nigerian whose life was devoted to justice and national development. His passing is a significant loss to Bauchi State, the Nigerian judiciary, and the rule of law,” the governor said.
He prayed for Almighty Allah to grant the departed soul Al-Al-Jannatul Firdaus and to comfort his family, loved ones, and all who mourn him.
Justice Tanko Muhammad’s death comes nearly three and a half years after he unexpectedly resigned on health grounds on June 27, 2022, 18 months before his scheduled retirement at age 70 on December 31, 2023.
Muhammad was Nigeria’s 17th Chief Justice, assuming office following the controversial suspension of his predecessor, Walter Onnoghen, in January 2019. He served for three years and five months.
His sudden resignation occurred amid a Supreme Court crisis, after allegations from 14 colleagues that he had hindered the court’s operations by failing to fund judges’ welfare, fuel generators, and other essential services.