Former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, has died at the age of 71.
It was learnt that the retired head of the Nigerian judiciary passed away in a hospital in Saudi Arabia, about two weeks to his 72nd birthday, which would have been on December 31.
His death was confirmed on Tuesday in Abuja by the Nigerian Association of Muslim Law Students, NAMLAS, in an official condolence statement.
In the statement titled “NAMLAS Condolence Message on the Passing of Hon. Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, GCON, Former Chief Justice of Nigeria,” the association described his death as a huge loss to Nigeria.
“Indeed, to Allah we belong, and to Him we shall return,” the statement read.
It added, “The Nigeria 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.”
According to the group, his death has left a deep void in the country’s legal and judicial system.
“His demise is a monumental loss to the Nigerian judiciary, the legal profession, the Muslim Ummah, and the nation at large,” NAMLAS said.
Justice Muhammad served as Chief Justice of Nigeria before his retirement and was widely known for his long years of service on the bench.
As of the time of filing this report, details of burial arrangements had not been officially announced.
