The Chief Justice of Nigeria and Chairperson of the National Judicial Council, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, alongside the Supreme Court of Nigeria, has conveyed deep sadness over the passing of a former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad.
Justice Muhammad passed away in the early hours of Tuesday, December 16, 2025. He was due to turn 72 years old on December 31, 2025.
In a condolence message issued by the Secretary of the National Judicial Council, Ahmed Gambo, Justice Kekere-Ekun described the former head of the Nigerian judiciary’s death as a profound and painful loss, not only to the judicial system but to the entire nation.
While acknowledging the sorrow that accompanies death, the CJN noted that the judiciary finds comfort in the enduring legacy left by the late jurist. She stated that Justice Muhammad would be fondly remembered for his diligence, integrity and unwavering commitment to the cause of justice.
According to her, the former CJN was a devoted Muslim and a widely admired legal mind who consistently embodied the noblest standards of the Bench. She added that throughout his career, he carried out his responsibilities with courage, honesty, humility and a strong sense of duty.
Justice Tanko Muhammad served on the Supreme Court of Nigeria from 2006 until 2022 and held the position of Chief Justice of Nigeria from 2019 before stepping down in June 2022 due to health challenges.
A native of Bauchi State, he was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1981 and began his judicial career a year later. He was appointed Chief Magistrate of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in 1989, a role he held until 1991, before moving on to serve as a judge of the Bauchi State Sharia Court of Appeal. In 1993, he was elevated to the Court of Appeal and later appointed to the Supreme Court.
Speaking on behalf of the Nigerian judiciary, Justice Kekere-Ekun extended heartfelt condolences to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Bauchi State government and its people, the family of the deceased, and members of the legal profession.
She prayed that Allah grants the bereaved family the strength to endure the irreparable loss and expressed hope that Justice Muhammad’s legacy of integrity, service and devotion to justice would continue to serve as an inspiration to the nation.
In a similar tribute, the Supreme Court of Nigeria, through a statement signed by its Director of Information and Public Relations, Festus Akande, described the late former CJN as a distinguished jurist whose leadership was defined by a firm dedication to the rule of law, judicial independence and fairness in the administration of justice.
The apex court noted that his sharp intellect and humane disposition earned him widespread respect among judges, legal practitioners and the public, adding that his contributions left a lasting imprint on Nigeria’s legal system.
It further stated that Justice Muhammad played a key role in strengthening the appellate process, enhancing procedural efficiency, advancing the professional development of judicial officers and staff, and promoting transparency and accountability within the judiciary.