Former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Tanko Muhammad, has passed away.
The veteran jurist reportedly died at a hospital in Saudi Arabia, just two weeks shy of his 72nd birthday on December 31.
Justice Muhammad hailed from Doguwa in Giade Local Government Area of Bauchi State and was widely respected for his legal acumen, discipline, and contributions to the development of Nigeria’s judicial system.
He served as Judge of the High Court, Justice of the Court of Appeal, Supreme Court Justice, and ultimately Chief Justice of Nigeria from 2019 to 2022, bringing his wealth of experience and commitment to the nation’s highest judicial office.
“Justice Tanko Muhammad exemplified the qualities of a patriotic Nigerian whose life was committed to the service of justice and the advancement of the nation. His passing is a significant loss to the Nigerian judiciary and the rule of law,” a statement by his family and colleagues said.
He resigned abruptly from office on health grounds on June 27, 2022, nearly 18 months before his scheduled retirement at age 70.
His resignation followed a tense period in the Supreme Court, amid allegations from some colleagues that he had hindered court operations by failing to provide adequate funding for judges’ welfare and essential services.
Justice Muhammad, Nigeria’s 17th Chief Justice, assumed office following the suspension of his predecessor, Walter Onnoghen, in January 2019 and served for three years and five months.
