Former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Mohammed Lawal Uwais, has died at the age of 89.
Uwais, who was born on June 12, 1936, in Zaria, Kaduna State, served as Chief Justice from 1995 to 2006. He was known for championing judicial reforms and the independence of the judiciary.
The family announced his death in a statement on Friday, saying: “Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilaihir Rajiun. It is with heavy heart, full of gratitude to Allah Subahanahu Wata’ala, that we announce the passing away of our father, Justice Muhammadu Lawal Uwais, former Chief Justice of the Federation.” According to the statement, the funeral will take place today after Juma’at prayers at the National Mosque, Abuja.
Uwais was called to the Bar at Middle Temple, London, in 1963. He began his legal career as a State Counsel in the Northern Region of Nigeria and became a Justice of the Supreme Court in 1979.
In 2007, he chaired the Electoral Reform Committee, which produced the “Uwais Report.” The report recommended the establishment of an Independent Electoral Offences Commission and reforms to the process of appointing the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
His wife, Maryam Uwais, served in the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari as Special Adviser and Coordinator of the Social Investment Programmes.
Justice Uwais is survived by his family.
