Supreme Court Justices Reduced To 10 As Justice Dattijo Bows Out October 27

The number of Justices on the bench of the Supreme Court has been reduced to 10 with the impending retirement from the apex court of Justice Musa Dattijo Muhammad on Friday, October 27, 2023.

The retirement notice served on the Court’s management by Justice Dattijo will lapse on the said date when a befitting special valedictory court session will be held in his honour to mark his retirement.

A statement on Sunday in Abuja by the Supreme Court’s Director of Press and Information, Dr. Akande Aweneri Festus, indicated that the valedictory session will be held at the Main Courtroom of the Court by 10am.

According to the statement, the Special Court Session will be presided over by the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Hon. Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, who will customarily pay tribute to Justice Dattijo alongside other major stakeholders in the nation’s justice sector.

Justice Dattijo earned a well-deserved elevation to the Court of Appeal on November 21, 1998 from the Niger State Judiciary, and served meritoriously at different Divisions of the appellate court.

His ascension to the Court of Appeal was more of a reward for hard work, inherent passion for his chosen profession, dedication to duty, and above all, a resolute application of the law in its true letters and words to all cases that came to him. He took the oath of office as Justice of the Supreme Court on Tuesday, July 10, 2012. “With the retirement of Justice Musa Dattijo Muhammad, the Supreme Court of Nigeria is now left with 10 Justices,” the statement said.

LEADERSHIP had recently reported that the dearth of adequate number of Justices at the Supreme Court was affecting justice delivery as the Justices on the bench are overworking themselves to carry out their task.