Former Chief Justice of Nigeria Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad has died at the age of 71.
Okay News reports that the former head of the judiciary passed away in Saudi Arabia, barely two weeks before his 72nd birthday scheduled for December 31.
His death was confirmed on Tuesday in a condolence message issued by the Nigeria Association of Muslim Law Students (NAMLAS), which described the passing of the retired jurist as a loss to the country.
NAMLAS, in the statement titled “NAMLAS Condolence Message on the Passing of Hon. Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, GCON, Former Chief Justice of Nigeria”, said, “Indeed, to Allah we belong, and to Him we shall return.”
The association said it received the news “with profound sorrow,” noting that his death represents a significant moment of mourning for the judiciary, the legal profession, and the Muslim community.
NAMLAS described the former CJN as “a towering figure of integrity, humility, and unwavering commitment to justice.”
According to the group, Muhammad “exemplified the highest ideals of the Bench fairness, courage, and fidelity to the rule of law,” and served the country with “wisdom and restraint” during his time as Chief Justice of Nigeria.
Beyond his judicial responsibilities, the statement highlighted the late CJN’s mentorship of young legal minds, especially Muslim law students across the country.
“To NAMLAS, the late Chief Justice was more than a jurist; he was a fatherly pillar and a source of encouragement to Muslim law students across the country,” the association said.
The group added that his support for aspiring legal professionals showed his belief in mentorship and continuity within the justice system.
NAMLAS extended condolences to his family, the judiciary, the government, and the entire Muslim Ummah, praying that Allah forgive his shortcomings, accept his deeds, and grant him Jannatul Firdaus.
