UPDATE - Supreme Court Justice, Sylvester Nwali Ngwuta dies 23 days to retirement



 Supreme Court Justice, Sylvester Nwali Ngwuta is dead as confirmed

by President Muhammadu Buhari and Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi. 

 

Justice Ngwuta who was due to retire on attaining the mandatory retirement age of 70 years on March 30, 2021, died in the early hours of Sunday March 7. 

 

Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Hadizatu Uwani Mustapha said Justice Ngwuta died around 2.30 am in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the National Hospital, Abuja.

 

Mustapha said; 

 

 “He felt sick and was admitted, last week, at the National Hospital, Abuja.

“Before he was moved to the ICU on Friday, he tested negative for COVID-19.

“Justice Ngwuta was due to retire on attaining the mandatory retirement age of 70 years on March 30, 2021.

“His remains have been deposited in the National Hospital mortuary, pending the arrangement for his burial.

“May the late Hon. Justice Nwali Sylvester Ngwuta rest in perfect peace and may God grant his family, the Judiciary and the apex court the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”

 

President Buhari, in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, said the late Ngwuta served Nigeria well.

 

The statement read; 

 

 “President Buhari condoles with family and friends of Justice Ngwuta, who passed away early hours of Sunday in Abuja.

“The President joins people and government of Ebonyi State, Nigerian Bar Association and members of the Bench in mourning the legal luminary.

“He regrets that the death of the eminent Justice will leave a gap in the Supreme Court, considering his experience and dedication to the interpretation of the constitution.

“President Buhari believes Justice Ngwuta lived and served the country with his knowledge of the law.

“The President prays that the Almighty God will accept the soul of the departed, and comfort his family.”

 

Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi state who also commiserated with the late Justice Ngwuta’s family, described him as a detribalised Nigerian. He said his death is another confirmation that life and death are only in the hands of God.

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