Nigeria has been thrown into mourning following the death of a former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad (retd.), who died at the age of 71.
The former head of the nation’s judiciary reportedly passed away at a hospital in Saudi Arabia, about two weeks before his 72nd birthday, which would have been on December 31.
Confirmation of his death came on Tuesday in Abuja through a condolence statement issued by the Nigerian Association of Muslim Law Students.
The association described his passing as a significant loss to the Nigerian judiciary, the legal profession, and the nation.
In the statement titled “NAMLAS Condolence Message on the Passing of Hon. Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, GCON, Former Chief Justice of Nigeria,” the group said the late jurist was a towering figure known for integrity, humility, and unwavering commitment to justice.
The association noted that throughout his judicial career, Justice Muhammad exemplified fairness, courage, and loyalty to the rule of law. It added that his tenure as Chief Justice of Nigeria was marked by wisdom, restraint, and a strong sense of responsibility.
NAMLAS also recalled his role as a mentor to young Muslim law students across the country, describing him as a fatherly figure who offered guidance, support, and encouragement to future members of the legal profession.
According to the association, his openness to the aspirations of young legal minds reflected his belief in mentorship, continuity, and the nurturing of future custodians of justice.
The association extended its condolences to his family, the Nigerian judiciary, the government, and the people of Nigeria, as well as the Muslim Ummah, while praying for the repose of his soul and for Allah to grant him eternal rest in Jannatul Firdaus.
