Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has expressed sorrow over the death of former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, describing his passing as a painful loss to Bauchi State and the Nigerian judiciary.

Muhammad died at the age of 71.

The death of the retired jurist was confirmed on Tuesday by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed in a condolence statement released through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mukhtar Gidado.

According to the statement, Justice Muhammad died in a hospital in Saudi Arabia, where he had been receiving medical care following a prolonged illness.

Governor Mohammed described the former CJN’s passing as a monumental loss to Bauchi State, the Nigerian judiciary, and the country at large, noting that his life was defined by service, integrity, and devotion to justice.

“Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad was an illustrious son of Bauchi whose judicial career reflected discipline, commitment, and excellence,” the governor said.

He recalled that the late jurist steadily rose through the judicial hierarchy, serving as a High Court Judge, Justice of the Court of Appeal, Justice of the Supreme Court, and eventually Chief Justice of Nigeria, a position he held from 2019 to 2022.

Governor Mohammed noted that Justice Muhammad earned nationwide respect for his legal expertise, principled leadership, and meaningful contributions to strengthening Nigeria’s judicial system.

He added that the national honour of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) bestowed on the former CJN was a recognition of his distinguished service to the nation.

The governor extended condolences to the family of the late jurist, members of the legal community, and the people of Bauchi State, praying for divine comfort for all those mourning the loss.

“May Almighty Allah grant him Al-Jannatul Firdaus and give his family and loved ones the strength to bear this great loss,” the statement concluded.