He Was Ordered To Appear At The Presidential Villa

Sources have alleged that contrary to popular opinion Former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, did not resign simply because of health issues.

The former CJN’s resignation was a result of high-level intrigues, which were long-planned but executed Sunday night, multiple sources familiar with the power game told Daily Trust yesterday.

Indications that the bird’s nest was about to be ruffled began when Muhammed was conspicuously missing at the opening programme of the training on alternative dispute resolution for judges at the National Judicial Institute (NJI) in Abuja where he was supposed to speak.

The former CJN did not appear at the function without prior notice and did not send a representative.

Sources claimed that he was ordered to visit the presidential villa where he was forced to sign a resignation.

The plan was reportedly hatched last year but was put on hold until after the retirement of Justice Mary Odili who could have only served as the CJN for less than a year had Muhammad resigned before she left.

A senior advocate of Nigeria told the publication that Muhammed was forced to resign for two reasons; the letter collectively written against him by 14 Supreme Court justices, and “certain issues of financial impropriety.”

“His condition became so obvious when his supporting staff were behind most of the correspondences, which they preface with ‘I have been directed,” he said.

There was also the issue of his veiled health condition which was known by many but he was left to continue in the position till December 2023 when he was meant to retire.

“His condition became so obvious when his supporting staff were behind most of the correspondences, which they preface with ‘I have been directed,” he said.

Another source close to the ex-CJN, who craved anonymity, said Muhammad was fetched from his house Sunday night to an unknown destination.

“On arrival, he was presented with a letter of resignation and they demanded that he signed the letter. He was told it was from the president and he obliged them based on that. He was not allowed to make any consultation, including even with his family,” he said.