Former Chief Justice of Nigeria Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad has died in a Saudi Arabian hospital, a close source confirmed on Tuesday. “Ex-CJN Tanko Muhammad is dead. He passed away this morning at a Saudi Arabian Hospital,” the source stated. His passing was also formally announced in a condolence message from the Nigerian Association of Muslim Law Students.
The association described his death as a “monumental loss” to the judiciary and nation. It praised Muhammad as “a towering figure of integrity, humility, and unwavering commitment to justice” who exemplified fairness and the rule of law throughout his career.
NAMLAS highlighted his mentorship of young Muslim law students, noting he was “a fatherly pillar.” The association prayed for Allah to grant him “the highest abode in Jannatul Firdaus.” Muhammad served for decades on the bench, rising to lead the country’s judiciary before his retirement.