Former CJN Mohammed Uwais Is Dead

Former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Mohammed Uwais, has passed away at the age of 88.

His death was confirmed early Friday morning by Ondo State’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Kayode Ajulo.

Justice Mohammed Uwais led the Nigerian judiciary as Chief Justice from 1995 until his retirement in 2006.

After stepping down, he was appointed to head the Presidential Electoral Reform Committee by the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.

That committee featured several notable members, including Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah and prominent human rights lawyer, Dr. Olisa Agbakoba (SAN).

Born on June 12, 1936, in Zaria, Kaduna State, Uwais began his legal career in 1963 after being called to the Bar at Middle Temple in London. He quickly built a reputation for integrity and dedication to justice.

Throughout his long career, he held several important roles within and beyond the judiciary.

As Chief Justice, he pushed for key reforms that helped strengthen Nigeria’s legal system.

One of his lasting contributions was helping establish the National Judicial Council, a body created to uphold the independence and ethical standards of the judiciary.

This comes barely 24 hours after the death of Jubril Aminu, a respected Nigerian cardiologist, diplomat, and former minister of petroleum and mineral resources.