Former CJN Tanko Muhammad Dies At 71
Former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad (retd.), has died at the age of 71 after a prolonged illness in Saudi Arabia.
The death was confirmed on Tuesday by Mukhtar Gidado, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed.
In a statement, Governor Mohammed said the former Chief Justice passed away in a Saudi Arabian hospital, describing his death as a profound loss to Bauchi State and the nation.
“It is with profound sadness and a deep sense of loss that His Excellency, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, 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,” the statement read.
The governor described the late jurist as a venerable legal mind whose life and career were marked by dedication to duty, integrity in service and unwavering commitment to the rule of law.
He said Justice Tanko Muhammad rose through the ranks of the judiciary with diligence and distinction, serving as a Judge of the High Court, the Court of Appeal and later as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
According to the governor, the deceased eventually served as Chief Justice of Nigeria between 2019 and 2022, bringing to the office a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to justice.
Mohammed noted that throughout his career, Justice Tanko Muhammad was widely respected for his legal acumen, discipline and contributions to the development of Nigeria’s judicial system.
He added that the late Chief Justice’s conferment with the national honour of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger, GCON, reflected the impact of his service to the country.
The governor extended condolences to the family of the deceased, his colleagues in the legal profession and Nigerians at large.
“Justice Tanko Muhammad exemplified the qualities of a patriotic Nigerian whose life was devoted to the service of justice and the advancement of our great nation,” he said.
Governor Mohammed prayed that Almighty Allah grant the departed soul Al-Jannatul Firdaus and comfort his family, loved ones and all those mourning him.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
