By RismadarVoice Media
December 16, 2025
Former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad (retd.), is dead.
A close source confirmed on Tuesday morning that the former head of the Nigerian judiciary passed away at a hospital in Saudi Arabia.
“Ex-CJN Tanko Muhammad is dead. He passed away this morning at a Saudi Arabian hospital,” the source said.
His death was also confirmed in an official condolence statement issued by the Nigerian Association of Muslim Law Students (NAMLAS), National Headquarters, Abuja, dated December 16, 2025.
In the statement entitled “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 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.
Justice Muhammad, who served Nigeria’s judiciary for decades before retiring as Chief Justice, was described as a towering figure of integrity, humility, unwavering commitment to justice.
According to NAMLAS, throughout his judicial career, he exemplified the highest ideals of the Bench, including fairness, courage, fidelity to the rule of law.
“As Chief Justice of Nigeria, he discharged his responsibilities with wisdom, restraint, leaving behind a legacy of service that will continue to guide generations of legal practitioners”, the Association stated.
Beyond his role on the Bench, NAMLAS noted that the late jurist was a strong mentor, particularly to young Muslim law students across the country.
“To NAMLAS, the late Chief Justice was more than a jurist; he was a fatherly pillar, a source of encouragement to Muslim law students nationwide,” the statement said, highlighting his support, moral guidance, and commitment towards nurturing future custodians of justice.
The Association extended its condolences to Justice Muhammad’s family, the Nigerian judiciary, the Federal Government, and the Muslim Ummah, while praying that Allah forgives his shortcomings, accepts his good deeds, grants him the highest place in Jannatul Firdaus.
Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad rose to the pinnacle of Nigeria’s judicial system, leaving behind a distinguished career that shaped critical moments in the nation’s legal history.
