Niger State’s former chief judge dies at 72

A former Chief Judge of Niger State, Justice Jibrin Ndatsu Ndajiwo, has died at the age of 72 after a brief illness.

Late Ndajiwo, who was born in Dokko Lavun local government area of Niger State, was the sixth Chief Judge of the State and Magajin Garin Nupe.

• Kogi Chief Judge, Justice Ajanah, is dead
• FCT Chief Judge, Okonjo-Iweala, 6 Nigerians make ‘Most Reputable Africans’ list

He was also the Chairman, Niger State Judicial Service Commission and served as Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice in July 1977; State Counsel, November 1st 1977; Chief Registrar, 1980; High Court Judge, 14th May 1985 among others.

He became the Chief Judge of the State on 18th December 1991 and retired in the same capacity in March 2013 and later served the state through various committees as Chairman and member including the judicial profession.

Governor Bello mourns

Meanwhile, the state Governor, Abubakar Sani Bello, in condolence message, commiserated with the government and people of Niger State, the judiciary and immediate family of the deseased and described the death as a loss not only to Niger State, but to the country as a whole.

The governor urged all to take solace in Almighty Allah as: “He is the one that gives and takes life”, adding that the late jurist lived a fulfilled and peaceful life, promoting the development and growth of the State and the legal pProfession.

He said his wise counsel and elderly advice would be greatly missed and prayed Allah to forgive the deceased his shortcomings on earth and reward him with Aljannatu Firdausi (paradise) as well as give the family, friends well wishers, and professional colleagues the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

Also, the Secretary to the Government of Niger State (SSG), Ahmed Ibrahim Matane, has commiserated with the people of Niger State and Bida Emirate over the death of the former Chief Judge.

In his condolence message, the SSG described Justice Ndajiwo as a respected jurist, who spent his life in the service of the State, country and humanity, adding that his death was a great tragedy and a monumental loss to the State.

The late jurist is survived by two wives, children and many grandchildren.