Nigeria has lost one of its most respected legal minds. Former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Mohammed Uwais, is dead. He passed away on Friday, June 6, 2025, in Abuja at the age of 89. His family confirmed the news.
Justice Uwais served as Nigeria’s Chief Justice from 1995 until his retirement in 2006. In the years after leaving the Supreme Court, he remained a powerful voice in legal reform, especially in electoral matters. His death marks the end of a notable chapter in Nigeria’s judicial history.
Uwais Dead at 89 After Decades of Judicial Service
Born on June 12, 1936, Uwais was called to the Bar in 1963 by the Middle Temple, London. He began his career as a State Counsel and rose through the ranks to become Chief Judge of Kaduna State, Justice of the Court of Appeal, and later a Justice of the Supreme Court.
In 1995, he was appointed Chief Justice of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Chairman of the National Judicial Council. His years on the bench were known for firmness, dignity, and a deep commitment to constitutionalism.
Uwais Chaired Nigeria’s Electoral Reform Committee
After retirement, Uwais was appointed by President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua to lead Nigeria’s Electoral Reform Committee in 2007. The report he delivered remains a reference point in the country’s democratic journey.
He also served as Chairman of several judicial and investigative panels including the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Military Contracts and the Jimeta Disturbances Tribunal. His international work included roles in Sri Lanka and the United States.
He was a fellow of multiple legal institutions and served as Chancellor of Umaru Musa Yar’adua University, Katsina, from 2011.
Former Chief Justice Mohammed Uwais Dead at 89
With the death of Justice Mohammed Uwais, Nigeria has lost not just a former Chief Justice but a custodian of legal reform and judicial integrity. His work, especially on electoral reform, left a lasting mark. Former Chief Justice Mohammed Uwais dead at 89 is a headline that signals the close of an era. From the courtroom to national reform, Uwais defined what service to the nation truly means.
