Nigeria loses two top judges same day

Nigeria loses two top judges same day

Justice Chima Centus Nweze of the Supreme Court and Justice Peter Hoommuk Mallong of the Federal High Court have died.

The two top judicial officers reportedly died on July 30.

Spokesman for the Supreme Court, Dr. Festus Akande, confirmed the development.

A statement by NBA’s National Publicity Secretary, Akorede Lawal, said the association’s President, Yakubu Maikyau (SAN), received the news of Justice Nweze’s passing with shock.

It read in part, “The President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau, OON, SAN has received with shock and dismay the news of the passing of Hon. Justice Chima Centus Nweze, Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, which sad event occurred on Sunday, 30 July, 2023.

“Hon. Justice Nweze was an astute and erudite jurist. His lordship’s numerous decisions have shaped, impacted and developed our law and jurisprudence. He was a disciplined, hardworking, and courageous judicial officer.”

Chief Registrar of the Federal High Court, Hassan Sulaiman, also confirmed Justice Mallong’s death.

Sulaiman’s statement read, “It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the death of our own, hon. Justice Peter Hoommuk Mallong,a judge of the Federal High Court, who passed away on 30th July 2023 unexpectedly after a brief illness in Abuja.

“We will miss him more than words can express. Funeral arrangements will be communicated to the public in due time.”