Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, a former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), has passed away at the age of 71.

Reports indicate that he died at a hospital in Saudi Arabia, just two weeks shy of his 72nd birthday on December 31.

The Nigerian Association of Muslim Law Students (NAMLAS) confirmed his death in a condolence statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja.

Titled “NAMLAS Condolence Message on the Passing of Hon. Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, GCON, Former Chief Justice of Nigeria”, the statement described his passing as a significant loss to the country.

“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,” NAMLAS stated.