Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, who led Nigeria’s judiciary as Chief Justice, has died at age 71 .

The Nigerian Association of Muslim Law Students (NAMLAS), National Headquarters in Abuja, confirmed the death of former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Tanko Muhammad. According to the association, he died on Tuesday at a hospital in Saudi Arabia.

“Former CJN Tanko Muhammad passed away this morning at a hospital in Saudi Arabia.” A source stated,

In a condolence message titled “NAMLAS Condolence Message on the Passing of Hon. Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, GCON, former Chief Justice of Nigeria,” the association said his death is a great loss to the nation. “We belong to Allah, and to Him we shall return.” The statement read.

Muhammad’s life was marked by dedication and hard work. He grew up in Bauchi State and attended Government Secondary School, Azare. He later studied law at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. He went on to earn a master’s degree and a doctorate, showing his strong commitment to education throughout his life.

After qualifying as a lawyer in 1981, Muhammad dedicated about 40 years to working in Nigeria’s judicial system. He began as a magistrate in Abuja in 1989, later served at the Sharia Court of Appeal in Bauchi State, and in 1993 was appointed to the Court of Appeal. He spent 13 years there before joining the Supreme Court in 2007.

In July 2019, President Muhammadu Buhari appointed Muhammad as Chief Justice of Nigeria, making him the head of the country’s judiciary. The appointment marked the peak of his long legal career and placed him at the center of major national legal decisions.

However, his health later declined. In June 2022, after less than three years as Chief Justice, Muhammad resigned from office, telling his colleagues that illness made it impossible for him to continue.

A few of his colleagues say, Muhammad brought more than legal expertise to the courtroom, noting that he was known for his sense of humanity as well as his knowledge of the law.

“He was a towering figure of integrity, humility, and unwavering commitment to justice,” the Muslim law students said in their statement. They described a judge who listened carefully, treated people with respect, and never forgot that behind every case were real people whose lives would be affected by his decisions.

“He exemplified fairness, courage, and fidelity to the rule of law,” they added, noting that his example will guide young lawyers for generations to come.

His rise from a student to Chief Justice showed what dedication and service can achieve. Beyond his long list of achievements, he is being remembered for his character, his humility, his respect for others, and his firm commitment to doing what was right.

Muhammad is survived by his family and many colleagues, and he leaves behind a legal system influenced by his 40 years of service.