15 Things You Should Know About Former CJN, Tanko Muhammad

On 16th December, 2025, it was reported that the former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Tanko Muhammad has passed away.

Justice Tanko was said to have died in a hospital in Saudi Arabia.

WITHIN NIGERIA took a look at most outstanding qualities and information about the legal luminary.

1. He was born on December 1953 at Doguwa-Giade local government area of Bauchi state.
2. He attended Government Secondary School, Azare where he obtained the West Africa School Certificate in 1973.
3. Tanko proceeded to Ahmadu Bello Universitywhere he received an LL.B. degree in Islamic law in 1980.
4. He later obtained an LL.M.degree and a Ph.D. in law from the same university in 1985 and 1998 respectively.
5. He was called bar in 1981.
6. Tanko began his career in 1982.
7. He was appointed as Chief Magistrate of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in 1989.
8. He became a Judge at the Bauchi State Sharia Court of Appeal in 1991.
9. Tanko was appointed to the bench of the Nigerian courts of appealas Justice in 1993.
10. He was appointed to the bench of the Supreme Court of Nigeria in 2006 but was sworn in on 7 January 2007.
11. On Thursday, 11 July 2019, Tanko was nominated by President Muhammadu Buhari  as substantive CJN.
12. Tanko resigned as the Chief Justice of Nigeria citing ill health as the reason for his decision on Sunday, 26 June 2022.

13. In October 2022, a Nigerian national honour of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) was conferred on him by President Muhammadu Buhari.

14. Tanko was accused of diverting budgetary allocation of the Judiciary and denying Justices of the Supreme Court basic working tools and training.
15. On 16 December 2025, the 71 year old former chief justice of Nigeria reportedly died at a hospital in Saudi Arabia.

Gov. Bala, Supreme Court Mourn Tanko

In the meantime, Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of former Chief Justice of Nigeria, (CJN), Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by his Media Aide, Mukhtar Gidado, the governor described the late jurist as a man of integrity whose life was defined by discipline, dedication to duty, and unwavering commitment to the rule of law.

According to him, Justice Tanko Muhammad rose through the ranks of the judiciary with diligence and distinction, serving as a Judge of the High Court, Justice of the Court of Appeal, Justice of the Supreme Court, and later as Chief Justice of Nigeria from 2019 to 2022.

He stated that the former CJN was widely respected for his legal acumen and significant contributions to the development of Nigeria’s judicial system.

He further added that his conferment with the national honour of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) reflected his impactful service to the nation.

“Justice Tanko Muhammad was a patriotic Nigerian who devoted his life to the service of justice and the rule of law. His passing is a great loss to Bauchi State, the Nigerian judiciary, and the nation at large,” Mohammed said.

The Supreme Court of Nigeria has also expressed its sadness over the death of the former CJN.

In a statement signed on Tuesday by Akande Festus, its Director of Information and Public Relations, the Supreme Court highlighted Justice Tanko’s dedication to the rule of law, judicial independence, and the fair administration of justice during his tenure.

The apex court noted that his sharp intellect and measured demeanor earned him respect across the judiciary, the legal profession, and among the public.

It also acknowledged his key contributions, including strengthening the appellate system, improving procedural efficiency, supporting the professional development of judges and court staff, and fostering transparency and accountability in the judiciary. The statement expressed condolences to his family, the judiciary, and Nigerians, praying that his legacy of integrity, dedication, and service continues to inspire the nation.

In a related development, Chief Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun of the National Judicial Council (NJC) extended sympathy to Justice Tanko’s family and the people of Bauchi State.

The NJC noted that he would have celebrated his 72nd birthday on December 31, 2025, and described him as a devout Muslim and a jurist who upheld the highest standards of the Bench.