(DDM) – President Bola Tinubu has officially mourned the passing of former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, describing him as a committed servant of the nation who left an enduring mark on Nigeria’s judiciary.
The statement, released on December 16, 2025, from the Presidential Villa in Abuja, acknowledged Justice Muhammad’s lifetime dedication to upholding justice, promoting fairness, and strengthening the legal system.
According to the President, Tanko Muhammad’s tenure as Chief Justice and his broader legal career were marked by significant reforms that enhanced judicial efficiency and institutional credibility across the country.
President Tinubu noted that Justice Muhammad consistently demonstrated unwavering commitment to judicial independence, integrity, and the rule of law, principles that continue to guide Nigeria’s legal framework today.
“He was a dedicated public servant whose reforms and leadership positively impacted Nigeria’s legal system,” the President said, urging citizens to reflect on his contributions.
DDM gathered that Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, who served as the 14th Chief Justice of Nigeria, was widely respected for his efforts in streamlining court processes, introducing administrative innovations, and promoting ethical standards among judges.
He is remembered not only for landmark rulings but also for mentoring younger members of the judiciary and fostering public trust in the nation’s legal institutions.
Tanko Muhammad’s career spanned decades in the Nigerian judiciary, during which he navigated complex legal challenges and played a pivotal role in ensuring that constitutional provisions were respected and upheld.
President Tinubu encouraged Nigerians to honour the late jurist’s legacy by embracing the values he championed, including fairness, accountability, and impartiality, in both public and private life.
Legal practitioners, civil society groups, and political leaders have expressed condolences, highlighting Justice Muhammad’s influence on Nigeria’s legal landscape and his commitment to justice for all citizens.
Observers note that his tenure as CJN coincided with critical periods in Nigeria’s democracy, during which judicial rulings had far-reaching implications for governance, civil rights, and institutional reforms.
The President also acknowledged the personal side of Justice Muhammad, describing him as a mentor, an ethical guide, and a figure whose contributions extended beyond the courtroom to shaping the moral compass of the judiciary.
As the nation mourns, public memorials and tributes are expected across legal communities and civic organizations, reflecting the widespread admiration for his leadership, professionalism, and integrity.
President Tinubu concluded by calling on Nigerians to continue supporting judicial independence and the rule of law, ensuring that Tanko Muhammad’s vision for a fair and accountable judiciary lives on.
His passing marks a significant loss to the country’s legal fraternity, but his legacy in reforming Nigeria’s judiciary and promoting justice is set to endure for generations.