Former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mohammed Lawal Uwais, passed away on Friday, June 6, 2025, at the age of 88.
His family confirmed his death in a statement, saying: “Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilaihir Rajiun. It is with a heavy heart, full of gratitude to Allah Subahanahu Wata’ala, that we announce the passing away of our father, Justice Muhammadu Lawal Uwais.”
Funeral rites were scheduled to be held after Juma’at prayers at the National Mosque in Abuja, in accordance with Islamic traditions.
Born on June 12, 1936, in Zaria, Kaduna State, Justice Uwais left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s legal and judicial system.
Called to the Bar at London’s Middle Temple in 1963, he began his career as a State Counsel in Northern Nigeria and was later appointed to the Supreme Court in 1979.
He served as Chief Justice of Nigeria from 1995 until his retirement in 2006.
A champion of judicial independence and reform, Uwais is best remembered for leading the 2007 Presidential Electoral Reform Committee under President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.
The resulting “Uwais Report” recommended key electoral reforms, including the creation of an Independent Electoral Offences Commission and changes to the appointment process of INEC leadership.
Justice Uwais is survived by his family and a legacy of unwavering dedication to justice and national development.
