Former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad (retd.) is dead. The retired judge is reported to have died aged 71 years old in the early hours of Tuesday in a hospital in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where he had been seeking medical attention.
The breaking news of the death was officially announced through the condolence message issued by the Nigerian Association of Muslim Law Students (NAMLAS), National Headquarters, Abuja on the 16th of December 2025.
It reads:
“NAMLAS Condolence Message on the Passing of Hon. Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, GCON, Former Chief Justice of Nigeria,”
The group referred to the departed judge as a “towering figure of integrity, humility, and unwavering commitment to justice.”
“His death is a monumental loss to the judiciary in Nigeria, the legal fraternity, the Muslim Ummah, and the country generally,” the statement quoted.
Born on December 31, 1953, in Doguwa-Giade, Bauchi State, Justice Muhammad had a very illustrious service record of many years in the Nigerian Judiciary.
He was appointed as a Justice of the Supreme Court in 2006. He also became the 16th Chief Justice of Nigeria in July 2019 until his resignation in June 2022 due to health reasons.
His time as the CJN was filled with many contributions to the administration of justice in the country; however, it was also characterised by internal wrangles that eventually made him exit the judicial system.
Tributes have started coming in from all quarters, with many people celebrating his passion for the rule of law.
At the time of filing this news report, information relating to the funeral arrangements is yet to be made known by the family.