Former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad (retd.), has handed away.
The previous head of the Nigerian judiciary died in Saudi Arabia, marking the tip of a protracted and distinguished profession in public service.
Justice Muhammad reportedly died within the early hours of Tuesday at a hospital in Saudi Arabia, the place he had been receiving medical consideration.
Information of his loss of life has sparked widespread reactions throughout Nigeria, particularly inside authorized, judicial, and spiritual communities.
A senior supply confirmed the event, saying, “Ex-CJN Tanko Muhammad is useless. He handed away this morning at a Saudi Arabian Hospital.” The affirmation put an finish to rising speculations surrounding his well being.
The Nigerian Affiliation of Muslim Legislation College students (NAMLAS), Nationwide Headquarters, Abuja, additionally confirmed the loss of life in an official condolence message dated December 16, 2025.
The affiliation described his passing as a serious loss to the Nigerian judiciary and the nation as an entire.
“Certainly, to Allah we belong and to Him we will return,” the assertion learn.
In its message titled “NAMLAS Condolence Message on the Passing of Hon. Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, GCON, Former Chief Justice of Nigeria,” the affiliation mentioned the previous CJN’s loss of life was deeply painful and far-reaching.
“The Nigeria Affiliation of Muslim Legislation College students (NAMLAS), Nationwide Headquarters, Abuja, receives with profound sorrow the information of the passing of Honourable Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, GCON, former Chief Justice of Nigeria. His demise is a monumental loss to the Nigerian judiciary, the authorized occupation, the Muslim Ummah, and the nation at giant.”
Justice Muhammad was described as a person of integrity, humility, and powerful ethical character, whose years on the Bench had been guided by equity and respect for the rule of regulation. His management as Chief Justice was marked by restraint, knowledge, and dedication to justice.
In keeping with NAMLAS, his judicial profession mirrored the best requirements anticipated of the Bench, noting that his legacy would proceed to form and information future generations of authorized practitioners in Nigeria.
“As Chief Justice of Nigeria, he discharged his tasks with knowledge and restraint, forsaking a legacy of service that may proceed to information generations of authorized practitioners,” the assertion added.
The affiliation additionally highlighted his function as a mentor, significantly to younger Muslim regulation college students throughout the nation. It mentioned Justice Muhammad was approachable and supportive, providing steerage and encouragement to aspiring authorized professionals.
“To NAMLAS, the late Chief Justice was greater than a jurist; he was a fatherly pillar and a supply of encouragement to Muslim regulation college students throughout the nation,” the affiliation famous.
Condolences had been prolonged to his household, the Nigerian judiciary, and the nation at giant, as NAMLAS described the loss as one felt past the authorized occupation.
“We prolong our heartfelt condolences to his household, the Nigerian Judiciary, the Authorities and folks of Nigeria, and the whole Muslim Ummah,” the assertion mentioned.
Prayers had been additionally supplied for the late jurist, with the affiliation asking Allah to forgive his shortcomings, settle for his good deeds, and grant him “the best abode in Jannatul Firdaus.”
Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad served Nigeria’s judiciary for many years and rose to the best judicial workplace within the nation.
His profession stays one of the crucial important within the nation’s authorized historical past, forsaking a legacy of service, self-discipline, and dedication to justice.