The Federal High Court of Nigeria is mourning the death of its former Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Daniel Dantshoho Abutu.
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/TheNigerialawyer-WhatsApp-Channel1.jpg")
His passing was officially announced on Wednesday in a statement issued by the Chief Registrar of the Federal High Court, Sulaiman Hassan.
Justice Abutu, a native of Abocho, Kogi State—though more commonly identified with Idah—was a distinguished federal judicial officer who rose through the ranks to become Chief Judge of the Federal High Court in September 2009 during the administration of late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. He retired from the bench in March 2011.
He is best remembered for his integrity, discipline, and a judicial career marked by commitment to justice and national service. One of the most notable cases he presided over was the constitutional challenge during President Yar’Adua’s prolonged illness, which sought to declare the office of the president vacant. His handling of the matter placed him at the center of a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s democratic history.
In the statement, the Chief Registrar described the late jurist as a man who “served the court and the nation with distinction, integrity, and unwavering commitment to justice.”
As a mark of respect, all divisions of the Federal High Court have been directed to display a portrait of the late Justice Abutu in a prominent and dignified location within their premises. Condolence registers have also been opened across court divisions to enable judges, staff, members of the bar, and the public to pay their tributes.
Beyond the courtroom, Justice Abutu is fondly remembered for his generosity and open-heartedness. He was known for opening his homes in Ikoyi, Lagos, and Asokoro, Abuja, to Igala sons and daughters, many of whom he accommodated without prior acquaintance or family ties—a testament to his humility and communal spirit.
Further details regarding funeral arrangements will be communicated in due course.
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