Former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Mohammed Uwais dies at 89

Former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Mohammed Uwais, has died at the age of 89.

It was learnt that the octogenarian died in Abuja on Friday morning.

Justice Uwais, who was born on June 12, 1936, served as CJN from 1995 until his retirement in 2006.

Uwais died a day after the former Minister of Education, Prof. Jubril Aminu.

Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has described Justice Mohammed Uwais as a towering figure in Nigeria’s legal and judicial history.

In a tribute, she said the deceased was an erudite jurist, visionary reformer, and statesman whose contributions to the development of constitutional law, judicial independence, and democratic governance will forever remain etched in the annals of our national life.

The CJN said Justice Uwais, who was appointed to the Supreme Court in 1979 and later served as the Chief Justice of Nigeria from 1995 to 2006, “distinguished himself by his unwavering commitment to justice, courage in the defence of the rule of law, and the clarity and scholarship of his judgments.

She added that his post-retirement service, including chairing the Electoral Reform Committee, further affirmed his deep love for the country and passion for institutional integrity.

“I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family of the late jurist, the Nigerian judiciary, and the nation at large. I pray for the peaceful repose of his noble soul.”

“The life and legacy of Hon. Justice Mohammed Lawal Uwais will continue to inspire generations of judges, lawyers, and public servants. He was, indeed, a beacon of principle and a guardian of judicial honour,” the statement read.