The judiciary on Monday announced the death of Justices Chima Nweze of the Supreme Court, and Peter Mallong of the Federal High Court.
Both judges, according to official statements, died of illness. Justice Nweze died on Saturday while Justice Mallong passed away on Sunday.
In a statement, the Supreme Court Director of Press and Information, Mr. Festus Akande said that Justice Nweze performed his duties admirably while alive, adding that the bench and the apex court staff would miss him.
“It is with a heart full of grief that we announce the sudden death of our amiable brother and colleague, Honourable Justice Chima Centus Nweze, on Saturday, 29th July 2023, after a brief illness”, Akande said.
According to the Supreme Court, Justice Nweze hailed from Enugu. Having been born on 25th September 1958, he died aged 64.
“Hon. Justice Chima Nweze gave a sterling account of himself in the discharge of his official duties at the Supreme Court. He had largely made himself a pliable legal personality that had diligently sunk a pool of enduring legal knowledge and experience in all his judicial pronouncements.
“He had been a formidable ally of his brother Justices, an admirable pillar of support to the staff and management of the Supreme Court; and indeed, a dependable father figure to all. It will be an understatement to say we are all going to miss him dearly”, the apex court said.
The Chief Registrar of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, Hassan Sulaiman confirmed Justice Mallong’s death
He said: “Hon. Justice Peter Hoommuk Mallong, a judge of the Federal High Court, passed away on 30 July 2023, unexpectedly after a brief illness in Abuja. We will miss him more than words can express”.
A condolence register was opened for Mallong at the Federal High Court Headquarters in Abuja.
In a statement, the President of Nigerian Bar Association, Mr. Yakubu Maikyau described Nweze as an astute jurist whose decisions had shaped the nation’s law and jurisprudence.
“The NBA President condoles with the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Kayode Ariwoola; 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 pray that the Almighty God comforts His Lordship’s family and friends”, the Senior Advocate of Nigeria mourned.
