Former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, has died at the age of 71.

The News reports said that Muhammad passed away at a hospital in Saudi Arabia, about two weeks to his 72nd birthday, which would have been on Dec. 31.

His death was confirmed by the Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, in a condolence message issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mukhtar Gidado.

The governor described the late jurist as a patriotic Nigerian who devoted his life to the service of justice and the strengthening of the nation’s judicial system.

“Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad exemplified the qualities of a patriotic Nigerian who devoted his life to the service of justice and the advancement of our great nation.

“His passing is a significant loss, not only to Bauchi State but to the Nigerian judiciary and the rule of law,” the statement read.

Also reacting to the development, the Nigeria Association of Muslim Law Students (NAMLAS) expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the former CJN, describing it as a monumental loss to the country.

In a condolence statement titled ‘NAMLAS Condolence Message on the Passing of Hon. Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, GCON, Former Chief Justice of Nigeria’, the association said the late jurist’s demise had left a vacuum in the judiciary and the legal profession.

“Indeed, to Allah we belong, and to Him we shall return.

“The Nigeria Association of Muslim Law Students, NAMLAS, National Headquarters, Abuja, receives with profound sorrow the news of the passing of Honourable Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, GCON, former Chief Justice of Nigeria.

“His demise is a monumental loss to the Nigerian judiciary, the legal profession, the Muslim Ummah, and the nation at large,” the association said.

Muhammad, who hailed from Bauchi State, served as Chief Justice of Nigeria after a long career in the judiciary, during which he rose through the ranks and contributed to the development of Nigeria’s legal system.

Further details on burial arrangements are yet to be announced by the family.