The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Ibrahim Muhammad, has tested positive for COVID-19.
His colleague at the Supreme Court, Justice Ibrahim Saulawa, said yesterday in Abuja at the unveiling of the national headquarters of the Muslim Lawyers’ Association that the CJN is receiving treatment in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates.
But the Director of Information, Supreme Court of Nigeria, Dr. Festus Akande, disputed Justice Saulawa’s claim, saying there is no medical report to show that the CJN is positive for COVID-19.
Justice Muhammad was absent from Monday’s new legal year ceremony of the Supreme Court where he was scheduled to preside over the inauguration of 72 Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs).
His absence was noticed at about 10.02 am when the other 19 justices filed into the courtroom, marking the commencement of the programme.
The reason for Justice Muhammad’s absence was not disclosed as the event began immediately with the administering of oaths to the new SANs.
However, the event was presided over by the next most senior justice, Justice Olabode Rhodes-Vivour.
Justice Rhodes-Vivour serves as the Deputy Chairman of the National Judicial Council, ranking next to the CJN as the chairman.