Biography of Hon Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, CFR, JSC, GCON – Former Chief Justice of Nigeria CJN
Hon Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, CFR, JSC, GCON Biography – Former Chief Justice of Nigeria CJN
Biography of Hon Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, CFR, JSC, GCON
Hon. Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, CFR, JSC, GCON (born 31 December 1953; aged 71 at the time of his death) was born in Doguwa–Giade, Giade Local Government Area of Bauchi State, Nigeria, and was a distinguished Nigerian jurist who rose from the lower bench to the highest judicial office in the country.
He attended Giade Primary School (1961–1968) and Government Secondary School, Azare (1969–1973), completed the IJMB programme at Abdullahi Bayero University College, Kano (1975–1976), earned an LL.B. in Islamic Law from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (1976–1980), attended the Nigerian Law School (1980–1981) and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1981, later obtaining an LL.M. from ABU, Zaria (1982–1984) and a Ph.D. in Law (1987–1998).
His judicial career began as Magistrate Grade II, Bauchi State Judiciary (1982–1984), rising to Senior Magistrate Grade II (1984–1986), serving as Provost, College of Legal and Islamic Studies, Bauchi (1986–1989), Chief Magistrate/Deputy Chief Registrar, High Court of the FCT, Abuja (1990–1991), Kadi, Sharia Court of Appeal, Bauchi State (1991–1993), Justice of the Court of Appeal of Nigeria (1993–2006), and Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria (sworn in on 8 January 2007).
He was appointed Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria on 25 January 2019, and subsequently sworn in as the substantive 18th Chief Justice of Nigeria on 24 July 2019, serving until his resignation on 26 June 2022, citing ill health, after which Justice Olukayode Ariwoola succeeded him.
In recognition of his service, he was conferred with the national honour of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) in October 2022, and he passed away on 16 December 2025 at a hospital in Saudi Arabia, leaving behind a legacy of over four decades of service to Nigeria’s judiciary.
Wikipedia
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad |
| Title/Honours | CFR, JSC, GCON |
| Date of Birth | 31 December 1953 |
| Age at Death | 71 |
| Place of Birth | Doguwa–Giade, Giade Local Government Area, Bauchi State, Nigeria |
| Ethnicity | Fulani |
| Diet | Not publicly documented |
| Primary Education | Giade Primary School (1961–1968) |
| Secondary Education | Government Secondary School, Azare (1969–1973) |
| IJMB | Abdullahi Bayero University College, Kano (1975–1976) |
| Bachelor’s Degree | LL.B. in Islamic Law, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (1976–1980) |
| Nigerian Law School | 1980–1981 |
| Master’s Degree (LL.M.) | Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (1982–1984, part-time) |
| Doctorate (Ph.D.) | Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (1987–1998, part-time) |
| Magistrate Grade II | Bauchi State Judiciary (1982–1984) |
| Senior Magistrate Grade II | 1984–1986 |
| Provost | College of Legal and Islamic Studies, Bauchi (1986–1989) |
| Chief Magistrate/Deputy Chief Registrar | High Court of FCT, Abuja (1990–1991) |
| Kadi (Judge) | Sharia Court of Appeal, Bauchi State (1991–1993) |
| Justice of the Court of Appeal | 1993–2006 |
| Justice of the Supreme Court | 8 January 2007 – 24 January 2019 |
| Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria | 25 January 2019 – 24 July 2019 |
| Substantive Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) | 24 July 2019 – 26 June 2022 |
| Resignation | 26 June 2022 (citing ill-health) |
| Successor as CJN | Justice Olukayode Ariwoola |
| Controversies | Alleged mismanagement of judiciary funds (denied; no conviction) |
| National Honour | Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), October 2022 |
| Date of Death | 16 December 2025 |
| Place of Death | Hospital in Saudi Arabia |
| Legacy | Integrity, scholarship in Islamic and Nigerian law, mentorship of young lawyers, and shaping Nigeria’s judiciary |
| Net Worth | Not publicly disclosed |
| Family | Kept private; no verified public information available |
Early Life and Background
Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad was born on 31 December 1953 in Doguwa–Giade, located in the present-day Giade Local Government Area of Bauchi State, Northern Nigeria.
He was of Fulani descent and was raised in a modest environment that emphasized discipline, education, and religious values.
Early Education
Justice Muhammad began his formal education at Giade Primary School, where he studied from 1961 to 1968.
He proceeded to Government Secondary School, Azare, from 1969 to 1973, where he obtained the West African School Certificate (WASC).
In pursuit of higher education, he attended Abdullahi Bayero University College, Kano, where he completed the Interim Joint Matriculation Board (IJMB) programme between 1975 and 1976.
Legal Education and Academic Advancement
Following his IJMB programme, Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad gained admission to Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, where he studied Law from 1976 to 1980, earning a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree, with specialization in Islamic Law.
He attended the Nigerian Law School from 1980 to 1981 and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1981.
Driven by a passion for scholarship and legal excellence, he returned to ABU, Zaria, where he earned:
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a Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree on a part-time basis (1982–1984), and
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a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Law, also on a part-time basis (1987–1998).
Judicial and Professional Career
Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad began his judicial career with the Bauchi State Judiciary in 1982. His steady rise through the judicial ranks reflected his dedication, intellectual depth, and commitment to justice.
His early appointments included Magistrate Grade II (1982–1984) and Senior Magistrate Grade II (1984–1986)
From 1986 to 1989, he served as Provost, College of Legal and Islamic Studies, Bauchi, where he played a significant role in advancing legal and Islamic education.
He was appointed Chief Magistrate and Deputy Chief Registrar of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, serving from 1990 to 1991.
Between 1991 and 1993, Justice Muhammad served as a Kadi (Judge) of the Sharia Court of Appeal, Bauchi State, where he became widely respected for his expertise in Islamic jurisprudence.
Court of Appeal
In 1993, he was elevated to the Court of Appeal of Nigeria as a Justice, a position he held with distinction for thirteen years (1993–2006).
During this period, he contributed to numerous landmark appellate decisions and earned a reputation for legal scholarship, discipline, and judicial restraint.
Supreme Court of Nigeria
In 2006, Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad was appointed Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria and was sworn in on 8 January 2007.
He served on the apex court until 24 January 2019, participating in several constitutionally significant rulings that shaped Nigeria’s legal landscape.
Chief Justice of Nigeria
Following the suspension of the then Chief Justice, Justice Walter Samuel Onnoghen, Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad was appointed Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria on 25 January 2019.
After serving in an acting capacity for over six months, he was sworn in as the substantive 18th Chief Justice of Nigeria on 24 July 2019 by President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, following a recommendation by the National Judicial Council (NJC).
He served as Chief Justice of Nigeria from 2019 until 2022, overseeing the administration of Nigeria’s judiciary during a period marked by institutional challenges and reforms.
Resignation and Controversy
On 26 June 2022, Justice Tanko Muhammad resigned as Chief Justice of Nigeria, citing ill-health as the reason for his decision.
His resignation came amid public controversy and allegations of financial mismanagement within the judiciary.
In June 2022, media reports, particularly by Peoples Gazette, alleged that he diverted judiciary funds and failed to provide Supreme Court justices with essential working tools and training.
A leaked internal memo reportedly signed by 14 Justices of the Supreme Court brought the allegations to public attention, an unprecedented event in Nigeria’s judicial history.
Justice Muhammad denied the allegations, and no court conviction was ever recorded against him. Justice Olukayode Ariwoola succeeded him as Chief Justice of Nigeria.
National Honour
In recognition of his decades of service to the Nigerian judiciary, Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad was awarded the national honour of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) in October 2022 by President Muhammadu Buhari.
Death
Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad died on 16 December 2025 at a hospital in Saudi Arabia.
His death was confirmed by family sources, media reports, and an official condolence statement issued by the Nigerian Association of Muslim Law Students (NAMLAS).
In its statement, NAMLAS described him as:
“A towering figure of integrity, humility, and unwavering commitment to justice.”
The association highlighted his mentorship of young Muslim law students and prayed for Allah’s forgiveness and his admission into Jannatul Firdaus.
Legacy
Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad devoted over four decades to Nigeria’s legal and judicial system. Rising from a magistrate to the highest judicial office in the country, his career represents one of the most comprehensive judicial journeys in Nigeria’s history.
He is remembered for his scholarship in Islamic law, his long service at all levels of the judiciary, his role in mentoring young legal minds, and his contributions to Nigeria’s constitutional and judicial development.
Despite controversies in his later years, his impact on the Nigerian judiciary remains significant and enduring.
Family
Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad kept his family life private. Public records confirm his Fulani heritage and Bauchi origin, but details of his spouse, children, and immediate family are not publicly disclosed.
Net Worth
Hon. Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, CFR, JSC, GCON, net worth was not publicly disclosed, though his wealth was derived from official salaries, allowances, and pensions associated with decades of service in the judiciary.
In Conclusion
Hon. Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, CFR, JSC, GCON, remains one of Nigeria’s most respected jurists, having devoted over four decades to the legal profession.
Rising from a magistrate in Bauchi State to the highest judicial office as Chief Justice of Nigeria (2019–2022), his career was marked by scholarship, integrity, and mentorship.
Despite facing controversy during his tenure, he left a lasting legacy through his rulings, dedication to Islamic and Nigerian law, and support for the next generation of legal professionals.
His passing on 16 December 2025 at the age of 71 was widely mourned, and his contributions continue to inspire the judiciary and legal community in Nigeria.
FAQs
1: Who is Hon. Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad?
Hon. Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, CFR, JSC, GCON, was a distinguished Nigerian jurist who served as the 18th Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) from 2019 to 2022 and as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria from 2007 to 2022.
2: When and where was Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad born?
He was born on 31 December 1953 in Doguwa–Giade, Giade Local Government Area, Bauchi State, Nigeria.
3: What is Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad’s ethnic background?
He was of Fulani descent.
4: What was Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad’s educational background?
He attended Giade Primary School (1961–1968), Government Secondary School, Azare (1969–1973), completed the IJMB at Abdullahi Bayero University College, Kano (1975–1976), earned an LL.B. in Islamic Law at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (1976–1980), attended the Nigerian Law School (1980–1981), and later obtained an LL.M. (1982–1984) and Ph.D. in Law (1987–1998) from ABU, Zaria.
5: When did Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad begin his judicial career?
He began as Magistrate Grade II in the Bauchi State Judiciary in 1982, eventually rising through the ranks to Senior Magistrate, Provost, Chief Magistrate/Deputy Chief Registrar, and Kadi (Judge) of the Sharia Court of Appeal.
6: When did Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad become a Justice of the Supreme Court?
He was appointed Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria in 2006 and was sworn in on 8 January 2007.
7: When did Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad serve as Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN)?
He served as Acting Chief Justice from 25 January 2019 and was sworn in as the 18th substantive Chief Justice of Nigeria on 24 July 2019, serving until his resignation on 26 June 2022.
8: Why did Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad resign as Chief Justice?
He cited ill-health as the official reason for his resignation amid controversy and allegations of financial mismanagement, which he denied.
9: Did Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad receive any national honours?
Yes, he was conferred with Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) in October 2022 by President Muhammadu Buhari.
10: When did Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad pass away?
Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad died on 16 December 2025 at a hospital in Saudi Arabia at the age of 71.
11: What is Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad’s legacy?
He is remembered for over four decades of judicial service, scholarship in Islamic and Nigerian law, mentorship of young lawyers, and his role in shaping Nigeria’s judiciary and legal history.
