Ex-CJN Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad Is Dead

Former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad (retd.), has died. The former head of the Nigerian judiciary reportedly passed away at a hospital in Saudi Arabia.

According to Leadership Newspaper, the death was 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 titled “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 major loss to Nigeria.

“Indeed, to Allah we belong and to Him we shall return,” the statement read.

“The Nigerian Association of Muslim Law Students (NAMLAS), National Headquarters, Abuja, receives with profound sorrow the news of the passing of Honourable Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, GCON, former Chief Justice of Nigeria. His demise is a monumental loss to the Nigerian judiciary, the legal profession, the Muslim Ummah, and the nation at large,” the group added.

Justice Muhammad was described as “a towering figure of integrity, humility, and unwavering commitment to justice,” with the association noting that throughout his judicial career he exemplified “the highest ideals of the Bench—fairness, courage, and fidelity to the rule of law.”

According to NAMLAS, the former CJN discharged his duties with wisdom and restraint during his tenure, leaving behind a legacy that would continue to guide future generations of legal practitioners.

Beyond his role on the Bench, the association said the late jurist was a mentor and father figure to many young Muslim law students across the country.

“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 said, adding that his support and moral guidance reflected a deep commitment to mentorship and the nurturing of future custodians of justice.

NAMLAS extended its condolences to his family, the Nigerian judiciary, the government and people of Nigeria, and the Muslim Ummah, while offering prayers for the repose of his soul.

Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad served in the Nigerian judiciary for decades, rising to the highest judicial office in the country and leaving behind a career that shaped critical moments in Nigeria’s legal history.