The Nigerian judiciary and legal community have been thrown into deep mourning following the reported death of former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad.
Justice Muhammad reportedly passed away on Tuesday morning while receiving medical treatment in Saudi Arabia. The news was confirmed to Sahara Reporters by a close source.
“Ex-CJN Tanko Muhammad is dead. He passed away this morning at a Saudi Arabian hospital,” the source disclosed.
Following the announcement, the Nigerian Association of Muslim Law Students (NAMLAS), National Headquarters, issued a condolence statement dated December 16, 2025, describing the death of the former Chief Justice as a monumental loss to the nation.
“Indeed, to Allah we belong and to Him we shall return,” the statement read. “His demise is a monumental loss to the Nigerian judiciary, the legal profession, the Muslim Ummah, and the nation at large.”
NAMLAS paid glowing tribute to the late jurist, praising his character and commitment to justice throughout his long years of service on the Bench.
According to the association, Justice Muhammad “exemplified the highest ideals of the Bench—fairness, courage, and fidelity to the rule of law.”
The group also highlighted his influence beyond the courtroom, especially among young legal minds.
“To NAMLAS, the late Chief Justice was more than a jurist; he was a fatherly pillar and a source of encouragement to Muslim law students across the country,” the statement added.
Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad served for decades within the Nigerian judiciary, rising through the ranks to become the Chief Justice of Nigeria, the highest judicial office in the country. He resigned from the position in June 2022, citing health challenges.
His death marks the end of an era for Nigeria’s legal system, as tributes continue to pour in from across the country and beyond.