Former Nigerian CJN, Dahiru Musdapher, Dies At 75

By Emma Ella

Former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) , Justice Musdapher, had pass away last Monday night at a London hospital  at the age of 75.

The younger brother, who is  the district head of Babura in Jigawa State, Alhaji Hadi Mustapha, confirmed the death on Tuesday saying the late CJN died after a protracted illness and arrangement is in top gear to bring back his remains for burial.

The jurist retired from bench some years ago on attaining the mandatory retirement age of 70.

He said the Justice Dahiru Musdapher is survived with 3 children including , Justice Hadiza Dahiru Mustapha, Barrister Kaloma Dahiru Mustapha and Suleiman.

It was also learnt that almost a year to his retirement, he was appointed CJN by then President Goodluck Jonathan, upon the exit of Justice Alysious Katsina-Alu. 

He was succeeded by Justice Aloma Mariam Mukhtar in 2012.

Justice Musdapher was educated at the Ahmadu Bello University and the School for Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), London.

He was called to the Nigerian bar in 1968.

He began his legal practice as one of the early private legal practitioners in northern Nigeria.

In his condolence message, Governor Muhammadu Badaru Abubakar of Jigawa state expressed shock with death of former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Dahiru Musdapher.

According to him, the death Justice of Dahiru Musdapher was a great loss to his immediate family and also to Jigawa and Nigeria due to his immense and resourceful contribution.

"Justice Musdapher was a jurist of repute, a man of integrity, community leaders and first legal luminary from our state, who rose through the ranks to, became chief justice of Nigeria".

In a  statement made available to journalists in Kano on Tuesday which was  signed by Bello Zaki, Special Adviser on media to the Governor, stated that late Dahiru will be remembered for his fearless fight for the independence of judiciary and instills discipline among judges in Nigeria.

The statement added that , he died at a time when our country needs his wise counsel to address some its challenges , and the Governor extend his condolences and that of Government and People of Jigawa State to his immediate family and relatives of the deceased.

He prayed to Almighty Allah to forgive his shortcomings, admit him in Al-jannatul Al Firdausi and grant the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.