Justice Muhammad reportedly died in a hospital in Saudi Arabia, just weeks before his 72nd birthday on December 31.
By Deborah Hassan
365Daily – Former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad (retd.), has passed away at the age of 71.
Justice Muhammad reportedly died in a hospital in Saudi Arabia, just weeks before his 72nd birthday on December 31.
The death of the former head of the Nigerian judiciary was confirmed on Tuesday in Abuja by the Nigerian Association of Muslim Law Students (NAMLAS), in a condolence statement mourning what it described as a major national loss.
In the statement titled “NAMLAS Condolence Message on the Passing of Hon. Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, GCON, Former Chief Justice of Nigeria,” the association expressed deep sorrow over his demise, noting that his death has left a significant void in the judiciary, the legal profession, and the Muslim community.
“Indeed, to Allah we belong, and to Him we shall return,” the statement read.
“The Nigerian Association of Muslim Law Students (NAMLAS), National Headquarters, Abuja, receives with profound sorrow the news 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 legal profession, the Muslim Ummah, and the nation at large.”
NAMLAS described the late jurist as a symbol of integrity and humility, whose career on the Bench was marked by an unwavering commitment to justice and the rule of law.
According to the association, Justice Muhammad consistently embodied “the highest ideals of the Bench—fairness, courage, and fidelity to the rule of law,” noting that his tenure as Chief Justice was defined by wisdom, restraint, and dedication to public service.
“As Chief Justice of Nigeria, he discharged his responsibilities with wisdom and restraint, leaving behind a legacy of service that will continue to guide generations of legal practitioners,” the statement said.
Beyond his judicial responsibilities, NAMLAS highlighted Justice Muhammad’s role as a mentor and moral guide to young Muslim law students across the country, describing him as a father figure who remained accessible and supportive.
“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 noted.
It added that his support for young legal minds reflected a deep belief in mentorship, continuity, and the grooming of future custodians of justice.
The association extended condolences to the family of the deceased, the Nigerian judiciary, and the country at large, praying for Allah’s mercy upon his soul.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, the Nigerian Judiciary, the Government and people of Nigeria, and the entire Muslim Ummah,” NAMLAS said, praying that Allah forgives his shortcomings, accepts his good deeds, and grants him the highest place in Jannatul Firdaus.