Late CJN Tanko Muhammad a fine jurist, says NBA

By Adenike Ayodele

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has described former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad as a fine jurist whose loss will be greatly felt by the Nigerian bench.

The NBA said this in a statement by its President Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN) while expressing condolences of Nigerian lawyers, on the passing of the former CJN in a condolence statement made available to newsmen in Lagos.

He said that the bar notes with sadness, the passing of the late jurist, who reportedly died in Saudi Arabia.

“His passing marks the end of a significant chapter in Nigeria’s judicial history, defined by years of service at the highest levels of the bench.

“In the discharge of his duties, he contributed to the interpretation and application of the law within Nigeria’s constitutional framework.

“The NBA commiserates with the family of the late Chief Justice, the Judiciary, the Supreme Court of Nigeria, the National Judicial Council, and the wider legal community on this loss.

“We also extend our condolences to the Government and people of Bauchi State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.

The late jurist served the Nigerian judiciary over several decades, rising through the ranks to become CJN.

His judicial career, spanned the Sharia Court of Appeal, the Court of Appeal, and the Supreme Court of Nigeria, reflecting his steady professional progression and adherence to constitutional responsibility.

CJN Muhammad presided over the Supreme Court during a challenging period in the nation’s democratic development.

“Hon. Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad will be remembered as a jurist who served the Nigerian judiciary at its highest level and played his part in the nation’s legal history.

“We pray that Almighty Allah (SWT) grants him forgiveness and eternal rest, and that his family is comforted during this difficult time; May his soul rest in peace,” he said (NAN)