Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, has expressed profound grief and sadness following the demise of a former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad.
Governor's Tribute to a Distinguished Jurist
The governor, in a statement released on Tuesday, 16 December 2025, by his Media Aide, Mukhtar Gidado, described the late jurist as a man of immense integrity and a steadfast commitment to the rule of law. The former CJN, an indigene of Bauchi State, passed away at the age of 72 after a prolonged illness. He died in a hospital in Saudi Arabia.
Governor Mohammed eulogised Justice Tanko Muhammad as a venerable jurist whose life and career were marked by an exemplary dedication to duty. He highlighted the jurist's diligent rise through the legal ranks, serving with honour first as a Judge of the High Court, then at the Court of Appeal, and later as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
A Legacy at the Apex of the Judiciary
Justice Tanko Muhammad served as the Chief Justice of Nigeria from 2019 until 2022. Governor Mohammed noted that he brought a wealth of experience and an unwavering commitment to justice to the nation's highest judicial office. His career was widely respected for its legal acumen, discipline, and significant contributions to the development of Nigeria's judicial framework.
"During his illustrious career, Justice Tanko Muhammad was widely respected for his legal acumen, his discipline, and his contributions to the development of Nigeria’s judicial system," the governor stated. He further pointed out that the national honour of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) conferred upon him was a fitting testimony to his impactful service to Nigeria.
A Great Loss to Bauchi and the Nation
Governor Mohammed extended his heartfelt condolences to the immediate family of the late jurist, his friends, colleagues across the legal profession, and the people of Bauchi State and Nigeria as a whole. He emphasised the magnitude of the loss, stating that Justice Tanko Muhammad exemplified the qualities of a patriotic Nigerian wholly devoted to the service of justice and the advancement of the nation.
"His passing is a significant loss not only to Bauchi State but to the Nigerian judiciary and the rule of law," Governor Bala Mohammed concluded, mourning the departure of a distinguished son of the state and a pillar of the nation's justice system.
