In a significant development, the bench of the Supreme Court has been reduced to 10 justices as Justice Musa Dattijo Muhammad officially bows out on Friday, October 27, 2023. The retirement notice, which was served on the Court’s management, will culminate in a special valedictory court session to honor Justice Dattijo’s remarkable career.
The Main Courtroom of the Supreme Court will be the setting for this momentous valedictory session, slated to commence at 10 am. Presiding over this special court session will be the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, who will pay homage to Justice Musa Dattijo, alongside other eminent figures in Nigeria’s justice sector.
Born on Tuesday, October 27, 1953, in Minna, Chanchaga Local Government Area of Niger State, Justice Musa Dattijo’s journey in the legal profession is nothing short of inspiring. He began his educational journey at Native Primary School in Minna, obtaining his First School Leaving Certificate from 1960 to 1966
After completing his primary education, he attended Sheikh Sabbah College (now Sardauna Memorial Secondary School) in Kaduna from 1967 to 1971. He then gained admission to Abdullahi Bayero College, Kano for a Pre-Degree program, which paved the way for his enrollment in the Faculty of Law at Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria. In 1977, Justice Dattijo earned his Law degree.
However, he did not stop there, as his thirst for knowledge and excellence drove him to pursue an LLM Degree at Warwick University in 1982, which he successfully obtained in 1983.
Prior to his retirement, Justice Dattijo made invaluable contributions to the judiciary. On November 21, 1998, he was elevated to the Court of Appeal from the Niger State Judiciary. He served with distinction in various Divisions, leaving an indelible mark throughout his tenure.
On July 10, 2012, Justice Musa Dattijo took the oath of office as a Justice of the Supreme Court. This momentous occasion was a testament to his unwavering commitment, exemplary work ethic, and steadfast dedication to upholding the law in its utmost integrity.
With the retirement of Justice Musa Dattijo Muhammad, only 10 Justices now remain in the exalted ranks of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. This significant shift marks a new chapter in the judicial landscape of Nigeria.
