BREAKING: Former Chief Justice Of Nigeria Is Dead

 

Nigeria is mourning the loss of one of its most distinguished jurists, Justice Mohammed Lawal Uwais, a former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), who passed away at the age of 89.

His death was confirmed in a statement issued by the family on Friday, June 6, 2025.

“Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilaihir Rajiun. With hearts heavy yet full of gratitude to Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala, we announce the passing of our beloved father, Justice Mohammed Lawal Uwais, former Chief Justice of the Federation,” the family said.

 

Born on June 12, 1936, in Zaria, Kaduna State, Justice Uwais rose through the ranks of Nigeria’s judiciary to become one of its most revered figures. He was appointed Chief Justice in 1995 and served with distinction until his retirement in 2006.

A Legacy of Integrity and Judicial Reform

During his tenure, Justice Uwais was widely regarded as a staunch defender of judicial independence, earning national and international acclaim for his commitment to rule of law, constitutionalism, and democratic governance.

He chaired the Uwais Electoral Reform Committee in the aftermath of the 2007 general elections—a pivotal initiative aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s electoral system. The committee’s recommendations, including the need for greater autonomy for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), continue to influence electoral discourse in the country.

Justice Uwais was known not only for his profound understanding of the law but also for his moral clarity and refusal to yield to political pressure traits that cemented his reputation as a jurist of rare courage.

Funeral Prayers in Abuja

According to his family, funeral prayers will be held immediately after Juma’at prayers today at the National Mosque in Abuja, in accordance with Islamic rites.

Justice Uwais is survived by children, grandchildren, and a legal legacy that spans decades and continues to shape Nigeria’s judiciary.

Tributes have begun pouring in from across the legal and political spectrum, with colleagues and former protégés describing him as “a towering figure in Nigerian jurisprudence” and “a moral compass in times of judicial uncertainty.”