The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) and Chairman of the National Judicial Council (NJC), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has expressed profound sorrow over the death of former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, who passed away in the early hours of Tuesday, December 16, 2025. Justice Muhammad would have turned 72 on December 31, 2025.
In a statement signed by NJC Secretary Ahmed Gambo, Justice Kekere-Ekun commiserated with the family of the late jurist, the government and people of Bauchi State, describing his death as a significant loss to the judiciary and the nation.
The CJN lauded Justice Muhammad for leaving a legacy of “hard work, honesty and dedication,” highlighting his courage, integrity, and commitment to upholding the highest ideals of the Bench.
Justice Muhammad served on the Supreme Court of Nigeria from 2006 to 2022, and as Chief Justice of Nigeria from 2019 until his resignation in June 2022 due to ill health. Born in Bauchi State, he was called to the Bar in 1981 and began his judicial career in 1982. He rose through the ranks, serving as Chief Magistrate of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, a judge of the Bauchi State Sharia Court of Appeal, a Justice of the Court of Appeal, and ultimately as a Supreme Court Justice.
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On behalf of the judiciary, the CJN extended condolences to President Bola Tinubu, the Bauchi State government and people, the late CJN’s immediate family, and the legal community, praying that Almighty Allah grant them the strength to bear the loss and that Justice Muhammad’s legacy of integrity and dedication continues to inspire the nation.
In a separate statement, the Supreme Court described Justice Muhammad as a jurist whose tenure strengthened judicial independence, promoted transparency, and enhanced procedural efficiency in Nigeria’s appellate system. The court noted that his intellect and compassionate demeanor earned him widespread respect among judges, lawyers, and citizens, and that his contributions significantly shaped the nation’s legal landscape.
Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad is survived by his family and a grateful legal community.