By Emmanuel Okwara
The Nigerian judiciary is mourning on the heels of losing Justice Chima Centus Nweze of the Supreme Court and Justice Peter Hoommuk Mallong of the Federal High Court last Sunday.
The two senior judicial officers died on July 30.
Spokesman of the Supreme Court, Dr. Festus Akande confirmed the development.
In a brief statement, the Chief Registrar of the Federal High Court, Hassan Sulaiman, also confirmed Justice Mallong’s death.
Sulaiman’s statement reads: “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.”
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has expressed shock about Justice Nweze’s death.
In a statement by NBA’s National Publicity Secretary, Akorede Lawal, the association’ President, Yakubu Maikyau (SAN) was said to have recieved the news of Justice Nweze’s passing with shock..
It reads: “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.
“The NBA President condoles with the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Kayode Ariwoola, GCON, the entire Nigerian Judiciary, the government and people of Enugu State, friends and family of Hon. Justice Nweze over the demise of his lordship and prays that the Almighty God comforts his lordship’s family and friends.”
