Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad (rtd.), the 17th Chief Justice of Nigeria, has died at the age of 71. The former head of the Nigerian judiciary passed away on Tuesday, 16 December 2025, in a hospital in Saudi Arabia after a prolonged illness.
Born on 31 December 1953 in Doguwa, Giade Local Government Area of Bauchi State, Justice Muhammad was a Fulani and a native of Bauchi State. His judicial career spanned more than four decades, during which he served at various levels of Nigeria’s judicial system.
Read also: Former Chief Justice, Tanko Muhammad dies at 71
Early Life and Education
Justice Ibrahim Muhammad began his education at Giade Primary School (1961–1968) and later attended Government Secondary School, Azare, where he obtained the West African School Certificate in 1973.
He pursued tertiary education through the Interim Joint Matriculation Board (IJMB) programme at Abdullahi Bayero University College, Kano (1975–1976), before enrolling at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, where he studied law from 1976 to 1980. He graduated with an LL.B. degree in Islamic Law and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1981 after completing the Nigerian Law School.
Justice Muhammad furthered his studies at Ahmadu Bello University, earning a Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree in 1985 and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Law in 1998.
Judicial Career
Justice Muhammad began his judicial career in 1982 with the Bauchi State Judiciary, where he served in the following capacities:
Magistrate Grade II (1982–1984)
Magistrate Grade I / Acting Senior Magistrate (1984–1986)
Senior Magistrate II (1986)
He was appointed Provost of the College of Legal and Islamic Studies, Bauchi, and served from 1986 to 1989.
From 1989 to 1991, he served as Deputy Chief Registrar and Chief Magistrate of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. He was later appointed a Judge (Kadi) of the Sharia Court of Appeal, Bauchi State, a position he held from 1991 to 1993.
In 1993, Justice Muhammad was elevated to the Court of Appeal, where he served until 2006. He was appointed to the Supreme Court of Nigeria in 2006 and sworn in on 7 January 2007. He served at the Supreme Court until his retirement in 2022.
Chief Justice of Nigeria
On 25 January 2019, following the suspension of Chief Justice Walter Onnoghen, President Muhammadu Buhari appointed Justice Tanko Muhammad as Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria. He was subsequently nominated, confirmed, and sworn in as the substantive Chief Justice of Nigeria and Chairman of the National Judicial Council on 24 July 2019.
He served as the 17th Chief Justice of Nigeria from 2019 until 2022.
Resignation and Later Years
On 27 June 2022, Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad resigned from office, citing health reasons.
Following his resignation, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola was appointed Acting Chief Justice and was later confirmed as the substantive Chief Justice of Nigeria.
Honours and Service
Justice Muhammad was awarded the national honour of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) in recognition of his service to the nation.
His judicial service covered appointments at the magistracy, Sharia Court of Appeal, Court of Appeal, Supreme Court, and the office of Chief Justice of Nigeria.
Passing and Tributes
Bala Mohammed, Bauchi State Governor confirmed the death of Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad in a statement released through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mukhtar Gidado. The governor described the passing as a loss to Bauchi State, the judiciary, and the nation, noting that Justice Muhammad rose through the judicial ranks from magistrate to Chief Justice of Nigeria.
The governor extended condolences to the family of the deceased, members of the legal profession, and the people of Bauchi State and Nigeria. He prayed that Allah grant Justice Muhammad eternal rest and comfort all who are affected by his loss.
The Supreme Court of Nigeria also announced the death of the former Chief Justice. In a statement signed by Akande Festus, its Director of Information and Public Relations, the court noted that Justice Muhammad, who served as the 17th Chief Justice of Nigeria from 2019 until his resignation in 2022, was committed to the rule of law, judicial independence, and the administration of justice.
The court paid tribute to his contributions, highlighting his work in strengthening the appellate system, improving procedural efficiency, supporting professional development of judges and judicial staff, and promoting transparency within the judiciary.
The statement also noted that his conduct earned him respect among judges, lawyers, and citizens.
Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, Chief Justice of Nigeria and head of the National Judicial Council (NJC), also commiserated with Justice Muhammad’s family and the people of Bauchi State.
The NJC described him as a devout Muslim and jurist who upheld the principles of the Bench and noted that he would have turned 72 on 31 December 2025.
Justice Muhammad devoted his professional life to judicial service. His career reflects sustained service within Nigeria’s legal and judicial institutions.
