The Supreme Court of Nigeria has mourned the loss of a distinguished legal luminary and former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Muhammadu Lawal Uwais, GCON, who passed away in the early hours of Friday, June 6, 2025.
He served as the 9th Chief Justice of Nigeria from 1995 until his retirement in 2006, leaving behind a formidable legacy of judicial excellence and integrity.
Born on June 12, 1936, in Zaria, Kaduna State, Justice Uwais embarked on a remarkable journey through the legal profession. He was called to the Bar at the Middle Temple, London in 1963 and quickly made a name for himself through his commitment to justice and fairness. Over the decades, he held various influential positions within and outside the judiciary.
The Apex Court in a statement by its Director of Information and Public Relations, Festus Akande, said during his tenure as Chief Justice, Late Uwais championed judicial reforms aimed at improving the administration of justice in Nigeria.
It added that the distinguished Legal Luminary was instrumental in the establishment of the National Judicial Council, which plays a critical role in maintaining the independence and integrity of the judiciary.
Justice Uwais was also dedicated to advancing legal education and was a mentor to many young lawyers and judges.
The Supreme Court of Nigeria expressed its deepest condolences to the family of Justice Muhammadu Uwais, GCON, during this moment of grief and honour his tireless dedication to the rule of law and the improvement of the Nigerian judiciary; values for which he will always be remembered.
