Gov Mohammed Mourns Former CJN Tanko Muhammad

Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has expressed profound sorrow following the death of the former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, who passed away on Tuesday, December 16, 2025. The late jurist, a distinguished indigene of Bauchi State, reportedly died at a hospital in Saudi Arabia following a prolonged illness. His passing occurs just two weeks before what would have been his 72nd birthday.

In a statement released on Tuesday by his media aide, Mukhtar Gidado, Governor Mohammed paid a glowing tribute to the legal icon, characterizing him as a man of impeccable integrity and disciplined character. The governor remarked that Justice Muhammad’s life was defined by a selfless dedication to the Nigerian state and an unwavering commitment to the sanctity of the rule of law. He noted that the late CJN was a beacon of judicial excellence whose career path served as an inspiration to many within and outside the legal profession.

Justice Tanko Muhammad’s journey through the Nigerian judiciary was one of diligence and steady ascent. Governor Mohammed recounted how the late jurist rose through the various tiers of the court system, serving with distinction as a Judge of the High Court, a Justice of the Court of Appeal, and eventually a Justice of the Supreme Court. His career reached its zenith in 2019 when he was appointed the 18th Chief Justice of Nigeria, a position he held until his resignation in 2022. The governor emphasized that Justice Muhammad was widely respected for his deep legal acumen and his foundational contributions to the modernization of Nigeria’s judicial processes.

The governor further highlighted that the conferment of the national honor of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) on the late jurist was a fitting recognition of his impactful and patriotic service to the federation. This honor, according to the governor, underscored the high esteem in which the late CJN was held by the nation he served so faithfully.

Extending his heartfelt condolences, Governor Mohammed reached out to the bereaved family, the leadership of the Nigerian judiciary, and the entire legal community. He described the death as a monumental loss for Bauchi State in particular, noting that the state has lost one of its most illustrious sons. “Justice Tanko Muhammad was a patriotic Nigerian who devoted his life to the service of justice and the rule of law. His passing is a great loss to Bauchi State, the Nigerian judiciary, and the nation at large,” the governor stated. As the state and the legal community begin a period of mourning, the governor’s message reflects the deep respect for a man whose legacy is firmly etched in the history of Nigerian jurisprudence.