Supreme Court Justice Musa Dattijo Announces Retirement.
In a recent development, Justice Musa Dattijo of the Supreme Court officially declared his retirement from the bench. This announcement, set to take effect on Friday, October 27, 2023, has left a significant impact on the apex court.
This news follows the retirement of Justice Amina Augie, which occurred on September 22, 2023, and the unfortunate passing of Justice Chima Nweze on July 31, 2023.
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With the retirement of Justice Dattijo, the Supreme Court is now left with 10 justices, which is 11 short of the 21 stipulated by Section 230(2) of the 1999 Constitution.
The Court Spokesperson, Festus Akande, released a statement on Sunday confirming Justice Dattijo’s retirement. The statement also highlighted that a valedictory court session will be held in his honor on Friday, October 27, 2023.
The valedictory court session will take place at the Main Courtroom of the Supreme Court of Nigeria and will be presided over by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Olukayode Ariwoola. During this session, Justice Ariwoola will pay tribute to Justice Musa Dattijo, joined by other prominent figures in the nation’s justice sector.
Justice Musa Dattijo, hailing from Chanchaga Local Government Area of Niger State, was born on October 27, 1953, in Minna. His distinguished career led him to take the oath of office as a Justice of the Supreme Court on July 10, 2012. His journey to the Court of Appeal was a testament to his hard work, unwavering passion for his profession, dedication to his duties, and an unyielding commitment to applying the law faithfully to all cases that came before him.
He earned a well-deserved elevation to the Court of Appeal on November 21, 1998, stemming from his service in the Niger State Judiciary. Throughout his career, he served with merit in various divisions, leaving a lasting impact on the legal landscape.
Justice Musa Dattijo’s retirement marks the end of an era, and his contributions to the judiciary will be remembered and celebrated during the valedictory court session.
The panel of justices assigned to preside over the Supreme Court appeals involving Peter Obi, Atiku, and APM includes the following members:
- Justice Musa Dattijo Muhammad.
- Justice Uwani Musa Abba Aji.
- Justice Lawal Garba.
- Justice Helen M. Ogunwumiju.
- Justice I.N. Saulawa.
- Justice Tijjani Abubakar.
- Justice Emmanuel Agim.”
