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Former Chief Justice of Nigeria Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad dies at 71
Written By: Abdullahi Izuagbe
16 Dec 2025 02:15 PM
Abuja, FCT — Former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad has passed away at the age of 71 in a hospital in Saudi Arabia.
The death of the retired jurist was announced on Tuesday, just weeks before what would have been his 72nd birthday on December 31.
Multiple Nigerian media outlets reported the news, with confirmation coming from official and family sources.
Some reports described the passing as following a prolonged illness, though no official cause of death has been disclosed by family or authorities.
Born on December 31, 1953, in Giade Local Government Area of Bauchi State, Justice Muhammad had a distinguished career in the Nigerian judiciary.
He served as a Justice of the Supreme Court and was appointed Chief Justice of Nigeria in 2019, a position he held until his resignation in June 2022 citing health reasons.
Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed expressed deep condolences, describing Muhammad as a "patriotic Nigerian" who dedicated his life to justice and national advancement.
The governor called his death a profound loss to Bauchi State, the judiciary, and the rule of law.
The Nigeria Association of Muslim Law Students (NAMLAS) also issued a statement mourning the loss, highlighting Muhammad's contributions to the legal profession and the Muslim community.
The death of the retired jurist was announced on Tuesday, just weeks before what would have been his 72nd birthday on December 31.
Multiple Nigerian media outlets reported the news, with confirmation coming from official and family sources.
Some reports described the passing as following a prolonged illness, though no official cause of death has been disclosed by family or authorities.
Born on December 31, 1953, in Giade Local Government Area of Bauchi State, Justice Muhammad had a distinguished career in the Nigerian judiciary.
He served as a Justice of the Supreme Court and was appointed Chief Justice of Nigeria in 2019, a position he held until his resignation in June 2022 citing health reasons.
Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed expressed deep condolences, describing Muhammad as a "patriotic Nigerian" who dedicated his life to justice and national advancement.
The governor called his death a profound loss to Bauchi State, the judiciary, and the rule of law.
The Nigeria Association of Muslim Law Students (NAMLAS) also issued a statement mourning the loss, highlighting Muhammad's contributions to the legal profession and the Muslim community.
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