Supreme Court loses former CJN Ibrahim Tanko at 72

From Godwin Tsa, Abuja

The Supreme Court has announced the death of former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Ibrahim Muhammed Tanko, at the age of 72.

His death in the early hours of Tuesday in Saudi Arabia marked the end of a long and distinguished career in public service.

In a statement confirming his demise, the Supreme Court, through the Director of Information and Public Relations, Dr Festus Akande, said Justice Tanko, who was the 17th Chief Justice of Nigeria, died in the early hours of Tuesday at a hospital in Saudi Arabia, where he had been receiving medical attention.

The court said his tenure as Chief Justice of Nigeria from 2019 to 2022 was marked by an unwavering commitment to the rule of law, judicial independence, and the fair administration of justice.

“His keen intellect and compassionate demeanour earned him the respect of judges, lawyers, and citizens alike, as his contributions have indelibly shaped Nigeria’s legal landscape.

“The court pays tribute to his remarkable contributions, which include: strengthening the appellate system and procedural efficiency, advocating for the professional development of Judges and Judicial staff, and fostering a culture of transparency and accountability within the judiciary. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, the judiciary, and the Nigerian public.

“We pray that his legacy of integrity, humility, and dedication continues to inspire all who serve the nation’s justice system. May his soul rest in peace”, the statement reads.

In another statement by the National Judicial Council (NJC), the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has commiserated with the family of the late jurist.

The statement, signed by the Secretary of the NJC, Ahmed Gambo Saleh, said the CJN expressed deep condolences to the family and the people of Bauchi State over the death of the former Chief Justice of Nigeria and Chairman of the National Judicial Council.

Although death is a painful reality, we are nevertheless consoled by the fact that His Lordship left a legacy of hard work, honesty and dedication to duty.

It described the late Justice Ibrahim Tanko as a devout Muslim and a respected jurist, who was courageous and exemplified the highest ideals of the Bench.

“He served as the Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria from 2006 to 2022 and as the Chief Justice of Nigeria from 2019 until his resignation in June 2022 on ground of ill-health.

“Hon Justice Tanko began his career in 1982, after he was called to the bar in 1981, the same year he graduated from the Nigerian Law School. In 1989, he was appointed as Chief Magistrate of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, a position he held until 1991 when he became a Judge at the Bauchi State Sharia Court of Appeal. He served in that capacity for two years before he was appointed to the Bench of the Court of Appeal in 1993.

“On behalf of the entire Judiciary, the Chief Justice of Nigeria and Chairman, National Judicial Council, Hon. Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, condole with, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the people and Government of Bauchi State, the immediate family of the late former CJN, the Nigerian Judiciary and the entire Legal Community, I pray Almighty Allah to grant His Lordship and the rest members of his family, the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss,” the statement reads.