Justice Nwali Sylvester Ngwuta of the Supreme Court of Nigeria is dead.
He died in the early hours of Sunday at the age of 70.
The Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Hadiztu Uwani, confirmed Ngwuta died around 2:30am in the Intensive Care Unit of the National Hospital, Abuja.
The Jurist was due to retire on March 30, 2021, after attaining the mandatory retirement age of 70.
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.”
The late jurist, who was elevated to the Supreme Court on March 22, 2011, was born on March 30, 1951 in Amofia-Ukawu, Onicha Local Government of Ebonyi State.
He obtained an LLB from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), lle-Ife, Osun State in 1977 and BL at the Nigerian Law School in 1978.
Meanwhile, President Buhari, in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, condoled with family and friends of Justice Nguta.
The statement reads: “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.”
