The management of the Supreme Court and leadership of the National Judicial Council (NJC) have commiserated with the family of a former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, who was said to have died in the early hours of Tuesday.
Both organisations’ positions are contained in two separate statements issued on Tuesday afternoon.
In a statement he issued, the Director of Information and Public Relations at the Supreme Court, Dr. Festus Akande said, “The Supreme Court of Nigeria announces with profound sorrow the passing of Hon. Justice Ibrahim Muhammad Tanko, the 17th Chief Justice of Nigeria, who died in the early hours of today, Tuesday, 16th December, 2025, at the age of 72 years.
“Justice Tanko’s tenure as Chief Justice of Nigeria from 2019 to 2022 was marked by an unwavering commitment to the rule of law, judicial independence, and the fair administration of justice.
“His keen intellect and compassionate demeanour earned him the respect of judges, lawyers, and citizens alike, as his contributions have indelibly shaped Nigeria’s legal landscape.
“The court pays tribute to his remarkable contributions, which include: strengthening the appellate system and procedural efficiency, advocating for the professional development of judges and judicial staff, and fostering a culture of transparency and accountability within the judiciary.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, the judiciary, and the Nigerian public. We pray that his legacy of integrity, humility, and dedication continues to inspire all who serve the nation’s justice system.
May his soul rest in peace,” Akande said.
NJC’s Secretary, Ahmed Saleh, in a statement on Tuesday, said that, “The Chief Justice of Nigeria and Chairman, National Judicial Council, Hon. Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, GCON, commiserates with the family of the retired Hon. Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, GCON, who passed on today at 71 years.
“His Lordship (Justice Kekere-Ekun) expressed deep condolences to the family and the people of Bauchi State over the death of the former Chief Justice of Nigeria and Chairman of the National Judicial Council.
“Although death is a painful reality, we are nevertheless consoled by the fact that His Lordship left a legacy of hard work, honesty, and dedication to work.
“The late Hon. Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, GCON, who would have been 72 years by 31st December 2025, was a devout Muslim, a respected Jurist, who was courageous with exemplified highest ideals of the Bench.
“He served as the Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria from 2006 to 2022 and as the Chief Justice of Nigeria from 2019 until his resignation in June 2022 on ground of ill-health.
“Hon Justice Tanko began his career in 1982, after he was called to the bar in 1981, the same year he graduated from the Nigerian Law School. In 1989, he was appointed as Chief Magistrate of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, a position he held until 1991, when he became a Judge at the Bauchi State Sharia Court of Appeal.
“He served in that capacity for two years before he was appointed to the Bench of the Court of Appeal in 1993.
“On behalf of the entire Judiciary, The Honourable, The Chief Justice of Nigeria and Chairman, National Judicial Council, Hon. Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, GCON, condole with His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the people and Government of Bauchi State, the immediate family of the late former CJN, the Nigerian Judiciary and the entire Legal Community,
“I pray Almighty Allah to grant His Lordship and the rest of his family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss. Amen!”