The Nigerian judiciary has been thrown into mourning following the sudden death of Justice Mohammed Nasir Yunusa of the Federal High Court, Kano Division, who reportedly collapsed at his residence before being confirmed dead at a hospital.
According to reports, the respected jurist slumped in his living room on Thursday evening at his home in Kano State and was immediately rushed to a medical facility for emergency treatment. However, medical personnel later confirmed that he had passed away shortly after arrival at the hospital.
Sources within the Federal High Court in Abuja disclosed that the late judge was buried on Friday in accordance with Islamic rites. His death has since sparked grief and tributes from colleagues, legal practitioners and members of the public who described him as a hardworking and highly dedicated judicial officer. ..READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE .
The Director of Information of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, Catherine Oby Christopher, also confirmed the tragic development, stating that Justice Yunusa died at the State Medical Centre in Kano.
Before his sudden passing, Justice Yunusa presided over several politically sensitive and high profile cases that drew national attention, particularly matters arising from the aftermath of the 2023 general elections. Among the notable cases handled by the late judge was the legal dispute concerning the candidacy of Labour Party members across the country, including the then Abia State governor elect, Alex Otti.
In one of the widely discussed rulings linked to the matter, Justice Yunusa clarified that candidates who participated in the elections in Abia State were not parties before his court, stressing that the court lacked jurisdiction to issue certain orders concerning certificates of return. The judgment attracted nationwide attention and positioned him among the judges handling some of the country’s most controversial post election legal battles.
Colleagues and associates of the deceased jurist have continued to describe him as diligent, disciplined and committed to the dispensation of justice. Many within the legal community say his sudden death represents a painful loss to the Nigerian judiciary at a time experienced judicial officers remain crucial to the country’s legal system.
The tragic incident has also triggered reactions across social media, with many Nigerians expressing shock over the sudden nature of his death while offering prayers and condolences to his family, friends and associates.
