Nigeria’s former Chief Justice, Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, has passed away at the age of 71. He reportedly died at a hospital in Saudi Arabia, just two weeks before his 72nd birthday, which would have been on December 31.
The death of the respected jurist was confirmed on Tuesday in Abuja through a condolence statement issued by the Nigerian Association of Muslim Law Students (NAMLAS). The association described his passing as a profound loss to the nation.
In a statement titled “NAMLAS Condolence Message on the Passing of Hon. Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, GCON, Former Chief Justice of Nigeria,” the group expressed deep sorrow over the development, invoking Islamic prayers and reflections on life and death.
“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.”
NAMLAS further noted that Justice Muhammad’s death represents a monumental loss to the Nigerian judiciary, the legal profession, the Muslim Ummah, and the country as a whole, paying tribute to his years of service and contributions to the administration of justice in Nigeria.