Ex-CJN Tanko Muhammad Dies At 71

Former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad (retd.), has died at the age of 71.

Mukhtar Gidado, Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to Governor Bala Muhammad, confirmed this in a statement, on Tuesday.

“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 Saudi Arabian hospital after a prolonged illness,” the statement read.

Governor Bala Mohammed described late justice Ibrahim Tanko as a venerable jurist whose life and career exemplified dedication to duty, integrity in service and steadfast commitment to the rule of law.

The governor added that the deceased rose through the legal profession with diligence and distinction, serving with honour as Judge of the High Court, the Court of Appeal and ultimately as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria and later served as the Chief Justice of Nigeria from 2019 to 2022, bringing to the highest office in the nation’s judiciary his wealth of experience, and commitment to justice.

“During his illustrious career, Justice Tanko Muhammad was widely respected for his legal acumen, his discipline, and his contributions to the development of Nigeria’s judicial system. His elevation to the national honour of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) was a testimony to his impactful service to the nation.”

Mohammed extended heartfelt condolences to the entire family of the late jurist, friends, colleagues in the legal profession, and the citizens of Bauchi State and Nigeria at large.

“Justice Tanko Muhammad exemplified the qualities of a patriotic Nigerian whose life was committed to the service of justice and the advancement of our great nation. His passing is a significant loss not only to Bauchi State but to the Nigerian judiciary and the rule of law,” the governor remarked.

He further prayed that Almighty Allah grant the departed soul Al- Jannatul Firdaus, and comfort his family, loved ones and all who mourn him at this difficult time.