A wave of sadness swept over the Nigerian judiciary after the report death of Justice Mohammed Nasir Yunusa of the Federal High Court, Kano Division.
Justice Yunusa reportedly collapsed at his residence on Thursday night and was rushed to hospital after collapsing in his living room. However, medical staff later confirmed his death.
Sources within the Federal High Court told Daily Trust on Saturday that the distinguished judge was buried on Friday in accordance with Islamic rites.
According to one of the sources, Justice Yunusa was widely respected as a hard-working judicial officer known for handling several sensitive high-profile cases.
“Yes, the judge died on Thursday night and was buried. He was very valuable during his life. 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 revealed that the judge had died at the State Medical Center in Kano.
Judge remembered for major political cases
Justice Yunusa rose to national prominence following several political cases that gained public attention after the 2023 general elections.
One of the notable issues he dealt with involved the candidacy of the then newly elected governor of Abia State, Alex Otti.
At the time, reports were circulating claiming that the Federal High Court in Kano had nullified Otti’s candidacy along with Labor Party candidates across the country.
However, Justice Yunusa clarified that the candidates who participated in the Abia elections are not parties before his court.
He ruled that the court had no jurisdiction to issue orders concerning return certificates for candidates outside the scope of the case before it.
“This court has no jurisdiction to make an order for the issuance of a certificate of return. They are free to seek redress at the appropriate department of the court,” he said during the proceedings.
Case background
The suit was filed by Ibrahim Haruna-Ibrahim, who asked the court to recall and annul the return certificates issued to Labor Party candidates who were declared winners in Kano, the Federal Capital Territory and 35 other states.
The defendants in the case were the Labor Party and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Justice Yunusa’s death has since drawn condolences from colleagues, lawyers and members of the public who have described him as a dedicated jurist committed to dispensing justice.
