The Nigerian judiciary and legal community are mourning the death of former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Tanko Muhammad, who passed away at the age of 71. Mr. Muhammad, who would have turned 72 later this month, died of an undisclosed ailment, just three and a half years after his abrupt resignation from office on health grounds in June 2022.
Mr. Muhammad served as Nigeria’s 17th chief justice, assuming the position following the controversial suspension of his predecessor in January 2019. His tenure as the helmsman of the Nigerian judiciary lasted three years and five months.
His sudden exit in 2022 came amidst an unprecedented crisis within the Supreme Court, triggered by a leaked memo in which 14 of his colleagues leveled serious allegations against him. The Justices accused the former CJN of mismanagement, including failing to adequately fund judges’ welfare and essential court operations.
Despite the controversies surrounding his resignation, the Nigerian Association of Muslim Law Students (NAMLAS) issued a tribute, describing his death as a monumental loss. The association hailed the late jurist as a “towering figure of integrity, humility, and unwavering commitment to justice,” recognizing his legacy of service and significant mentorship role in the legal community.
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