Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, a former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), has died at the age of 71.
Gatekeepers News reports that he reportedly passed away on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, in a hospital in Saudi Arabia after a period of illnesses.
Nigerian Association of Muslim Law Students (NAMLAS) confirmed his death in a statement issued in Abuja, describing it as a significant loss to the legal profession, the judiciary, the Muslim community, and the nation.
They praised him as a figure of integrity, humility, and unwavering commitment to justice, and noted his mentorship of young law students across the country.
Born on December 31, 1953, in Giade Local Government Area of Bauchi State, Tanko Muhammad had a long career in the Nigerian judiciary.
He began as a Magistrate in 1982 and advanced through various judicial roles, including Provost of the College of Legal and Islamic Studies in Bauchi and Chief Magistrate in the Federal Capital Territory.
Muhammed served as a Justice of the Court of Appeal from 1993 to 2006 before being appointed to the Supreme Court in January 2007.
He was appointed acting Chief Justice in January 2019 and was sworn in as the substantive 17th Chief Justice of Nigeria on July 24, 2019.
However, his tenure was marked by controversy, including internal tensions within the Supreme Court and criticism over administrative and financial issues.
He resigned from office on June 27, 2022, citing health concerns, ending his service more than a year before his mandatory retirement age.
In recognition of his service, he was awarded the national honour of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) in October 2022.
