A wave of grief has swept through Nigeria’s judiciary following the reported death of Justice Mohammed Nasir Yunusa of the Federal High Court, Kano Division.
Justice Yunusa reportedly slumped in his residence on Thursday evening and was rushed to a hospital after collapsing in his living room. However, medical personnel later confirmed him dead.
Sources within the Federal High Court told Daily Trust on Saturday that the respected judge was buried on Friday in line with Islamic rites.
According to one of the sources, Justice Yunusa was widely regarded as a hardworking judicial officer known for handling several sensitive and high-profile cases.
“Yes, the judge died Thursday evening and he has been buried. He was very hardworking during his lifetime. You know he handled many high-profile cases and dispensed justice accordingly,” the source said.
The Director of Information of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, Catherine Oby Christopher, also confirmed the development. She disclosed that the judge passed away at the State Medical Centre in Kano.
Justice Yunusa became prominent nationwide following several political cases that drew public attention after the 2023 general elections.
One of the notable matters he handled involved the candidature of the then Abia State Governor-elect, Alex Otti.
At the time, reports had circulated claiming the Federal High Court in Kano nullified Otti’s candidature alongside those of Labour Party candidates across the country.
However, Justice Yunusa clarified that candidates who participated in the Abia elections were not parties before his court.
He ruled that the court lacked the jurisdiction to issue orders concerning certificates of return for candidates outside the scope of the matter before him.
“This court lacks jurisdiction to make an order for the issuance of certificate of return. They are at liberty to seek redress in the appropriate Division of the court,” he stated during the proceedings.
The suit was filed by Ibrahim Haruna-Ibrahim, who asked the court to revoke and set aside certificates of return issued to Labour Party candidates declared winners in Kano, the Federal Capital Territory, and 35 other states.
The defendants in the matter were the Labour Party and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Justice Yunusa’s death has since sparked condolences from colleagues, legal practitioners, and members of the public who described him as a dedicated jurist committed to the dispensation of justice.
