Kekere-Ekun, Bauchi gov, others mourns former CJN Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad

Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has led the nation’s judiciary in mourning the death of former Chief Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, describing his passing as a profound loss.

In a statement released on Tuesday by the National Judicial Council, the CJN honored the late jurist’s legacy, saying his “keen intellect and compassionate demeanour earned him the respect of judges, lawyers and citizens alike,” and that his contributions “have indelibly shaped Nigeria’s legal landscape.”

Justice Muhammad passed away in a Saudi Arabian hospital in the early hours of Tuesday, just two weeks before his 72nd birthday.

The Supreme Court of Nigeria, in its own tribute, highlighted his strong commitment to judicial independence and the fair administration of justice.

The court noted his key role in strengthening the appellate system, improving court efficiency, and promoting transparency and accountability within the judiciary.

Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, also expressed deep sorrow, describing the late jurist—a distinguished son of the state—as a figure who exemplified dedication, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to the rule of law.

Justice Muhammad served as a Justice of the Supreme Court from 2006 and ascended to the position of Chief Justice of Nigeria in 2019, before resigning in June 2022 due to ill health.

Born in Bauchi State, he was called to the Bar in 1981 and had a distinguished judicial career spanning over four decades, serving at various levels including the Sharia Court of Appeal, the Court of Appeal, and finally the Supreme Court.

About The Author

Dele Fashomi

Dele Fashomi, seasoned journalist and communication teacher, is a holder of Master of Arts degree in Communication and Language Arts from the University of Ibadan in 1992/93.

Earlier, he had bagged a Bachelor degree from the same university in 1984, after which he proceeded to the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Lagos, in 1990, for a postgraduate diploma in Journalism.

He had done many courses in communication, including the EU-BBC Editing Course in 2002.

Mr. Fashomi combines effectively the practice, research and teaching of communication. And to date, he has published two academic works in communication: Issues in Communication Technology and Policy (2010) and Economic and Social Issues in Advertising and PR (2013).

He had his first break in the Nigerian media in Concord Newspapers in 1990 and today, he has over two and half decades experience earned in several newspapers.

He has been part of many start-ups, such as The Republic (1987), The Comet (1999), The Anchor 2001 – 2002; Sun Newspapers (2003); Westerner newsmagazine (2005 – 2010) as Editor; National Life (2011) as Sunday Editor, and Newswatch Newspapers (2012- 2016) as Daily Editor.

Dele Fashomi is now the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Newstide247.com newspaper online, which he started in July 2015. He is also into biography writing, with many books in his trail, some of which he wrote alone and one he co- authored with his mentor, Mr Dare Babarinsa, entitled: Olabiyi Durojaiye – DARE TO BE DiFFERENT. He also guided and collaborated with Pa Olatunji Odusanya in writing his autobiography – AGAINST ALL ODDS. There are many other books in the works under his pen.

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