BREAKING: Former CJN Mohammed Uwais Dies at 89 in Abuja

Abuja, Nigeria – June 6, 2025 — Justice Mohammed Lawal Uwais, a former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), has died at the age of 89. His death was confirmed by a family source who spoke to News Week Nigeria on Friday.

 

TJ News Nigeria gathered that the legal luminary passed away peacefully in Abuja, where he had lived in retirement for several years.

 

Justice Uwais served as Nigeria’s Chief Justice from 1995 to 2006, a tenure that spanned over a decade and earned him wide acclaim as one of the most influential figures in the Nigerian judiciary. His leadership was marked by sweeping reforms, a strong stance on judicial independence, and a firm commitment to upholding the rule of law.

A Legal Giant’s Life and Legacy

Born on June 12, 1936, Uwais began his career in law with a passion for justice and national development. Over several decades, he built a legacy of legal excellence that remains a benchmark in Nigeria’s judicial system.

 

After retiring from the Supreme Court in 2006, Justice Uwais continued to serve the country. In 2007, he was appointed by late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua to chair the Electoral Reform Committee, a pivotal body tasked with overhauling Nigeria’s electoral system.

TJ News Nigeria learnt that the report from the Uwais-led committee, submitted in 2008, recommended far-reaching reforms—many of which still serve as reference points in ongoing discussions about improving Nigeria’s electoral integrity.

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National Mourning and Burial Plans

The family confirmed that funeral prayers and burial arrangements are currently underway, in line with Islamic rites. The late jurist is expected to be laid to rest in Abuja.

 

Tributes have begun to pour in from legal practitioners, public officials, and citizens alike, many describing Justice Uwais as a “pillar of judicial integrity” and a “champion of democracy.”

 

Legacy of Justice Uwais

Justice Uwais is remembered not only for his groundbreaking judicial decisions but also for his dedication to judicial reform, national service, and constitutional advancement. His tenure witnessed:

• Improved autonomy for the judiciary

• Strengthening of the Supreme Court’s independence

• Promotion of due process and human rights

• A blueprint for credible elections through the Uwais Report

He is survived by children, grandchildren, and an extended family who continue to uphold his legacy of discipline, public service, and moral uprightness.

 

National Icons Pay Tribute

Several prominent Nigerians have taken to social media and other platforms to honor the late Chief Justice. The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) is expected to release an official statement in the coming hours.

 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in a yet-to-be-released statement, is also expected to pay tribute to the late statesman, whose contributions helped shape the modern Nigerian judiciary.