Former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, has died at the age of 71. He passed away on Tuesday morning at a hospital in Saudi Arabia. His death was confirmed by the Nigerian Association of Muslim Law Students (NAMLAS), National Headquarters, Abuja, and also reported by SaharaReporters. NAMLAS described his passing as a profound national loss, stating, "Indeed, to Allah we belong and to Him we shall return."

In their condolence statement, NAMLAS highlighted Justice Muhammad's immense contributions, calling his demise a "monumental loss to the Nigerian judiciary, the legal profession, the Muslim Ummah, and the nation at large." The association honored him as "a towering figure of integrity, humility, and unwavering commitment to justice." Throughout his illustrious career, he "exemplified the highest ideals of the Bench fairness, courage, and fidelity to the rule of law." Beyond his judicial roles, NAMLAS noted his significant mentorship, serving as a "fatherly pillar and a source of encouragement to Muslim law students across the country," reflecting his deep belief in nurturing future custodians of justice.

The National Judicial Council (NJC) also expressed deep sadness over his death. A statement from NJC Secretary, Ahmed Saleh, conveyed condolences, with the current CJN and NJC Chair, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, extending her sympathies to his family and the people of Bauchi State. The NJC statement recognized Justice Muhammad's "legacy of hardwork, honesty and dedication to work," and acknowledged him as "a devout Muslim, a respected Jurist, who was courageous with exemplified highest ideals of the Bench."

Similarly, Governor Bala Muhammed of Bauchi State, Justice Muhammad's home state, expressed his profound sadness. Through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mukhtar Gidado, the governor described the former CJN as "a man of integrity and steadfast who was committed to the rule of law" and a "venerable jurist whose life and career exemplified dedication to duty and integrity in service." Governor Muhammed further recalled Justice Tanko's legal acumen, discipline, and contributions to the development of Nigeria’s judicial system, noting that his elevation to the national honour of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) was a testament to his impactful service.

Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad hailed from Doguwa Giade Local Government Area of Bauchi State. His educational journey began at Government Secondary School, Azare, where he obtained his West Africa School Certificate in 1973. He pursued higher education at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, earning an LL.B in Islamic Law in 1980, followed by an LL.M in 1985, and a Ph.D in Law in 1998. He was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1981.

His extensive legal career commenced in 1982. He served as the Chief Magistrate of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory from 1989 to 1991 before becoming a Judge of the Bauchi State Sharia Court of Appeal. In 1993, he joined the Nigerian Court of Appeal, where he served for 13 years, demonstrating his commitment to the judiciary.

His elevation to the Supreme Court came in 2006, and he was officially sworn in as a Justice of the Supreme Court on January 7, 2007. On July 11, 2019, Justice Muhammad was nominated by then President Muhammadu Buhari as the substantive Chief Justice of Nigeria, following a recommendation by the National Judicial Council. During his tenure as Chief Justice, he discharged his responsibilities with wisdom and restraint, leaving behind a profound legacy of service that will continue to guide generations of legal practitioners. He resigned from the position on June 26, 2022, citing ill health.

His passing is undeniably a significant loss not only to Bauchi State but to the Nigerian judiciary, the legal profession, and the nation at large. Justice Muhammad’s decades of service shaped key moments in Nigeria’s legal history, and his enduring legacy of integrity and dedication will be remembered.