Bala Mohammed Mourns Former Chief Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, Calls His Death a Blow to Nigeria’s Judiciary

Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has expressed deep grief over the death of former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, describing the late jurist as a towering figure whose life was devoted to justice, integrity and national service.

Justice Tanko Muhammad, an indigene of Bauchi State, died at the age of 72 in a hospital in Saudi Arabia after a prolonged illness.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by his media aide, Mukhtar Gidado, the governor said the former CJN’s passing represents a profound loss to Bauchi State, the Nigerian judiciary and the country at large.

Governor Mohammed said the late jurist’s career was marked by discipline, legal brilliance and unwavering commitment to the rule of law, noting that he rose through the ranks of the judiciary with distinction.

Justice Tanko Muhammad began his judicial journey at the High Court, later served at the Court of Appeal and was eventually elevated to the Supreme Court of Nigeria. He went on to serve as the Chief Justice of Nigeria from 2019 to 2022, bringing decades of experience to the nation’s highest judicial office.

According to the governor, the former CJN earned widespread respect for his contributions to the development of Nigeria’s judicial system and for upholding the sanctity of the law during his years on the bench.

He noted that Tanko Muhammad’s conferment with the national honour of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) reflected the impact of his service to the nation.

Governor Mohammed extended his condolences to the family of the deceased, members of the legal profession, and the people of Bauchi State, urging them to take solace in the legacy of honour and service left behind.

He described the late former CJN as a patriotic Nigerian whose life’s work strengthened the foundations of justice and democratic governance.