Born on April 15, 1960 in Bade Local Government Area, Yobe State, Hon. Justice Tijjani Abubakar’s journey in the legal profession began with his foundational education at Gashua Central Primary School and Government Secondary School, Gashua. He proceeded to the University of Maiduguri, where he obtained his LL.B (Hons) degree in 1982, before being called to the Nigerian Bar in 1983 after attending the Nigerian Law School, Lagos.
His Lordship commenced his legal career in the Ministry of Justice, Borno State, where he served in various capacities, including State Counsel, Senior State Counsel, Principal State Counsel, and Director of Public Prosecutions. His excellence in legal advocacy and public service led to his appointment as Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Yobe State in 1994, a position he held with distinction. Hon. Justice Abubakar’s commitment to governance also saw him serve as Commissioner for Works, Housing & Transport and Commissioner for Youths, Sports & Community Development in Yobe State. Additionally, he held the role of Permanent Secretary in the Establishment and Management Services Department and later in the Local Government Service Commission.
His Lordship transitioned fully into judicial service when he was appointed a Judge of the Federal High Court on May 14, 2004, where he adjudicated over landmark cases, particularly in criminal law, financial crimes, and human rights enforcement. Recognizing his legal acumen and jurisprudential depth, he was elevated to the Court of Appeal on November 5, 2012. In this capacity, he delivered several impactful judgments that have shaped Nigerian legal principles. His contributions to international judicial cooperation earned him an appointment as Justice of the Supreme Court of The Gambia on September 21, 2016, where he played a pivotal role in strengthening the country’s judicial system.
Beyond his judicial functions, Hon. Justice Abubakar has served on numerous ad hoc committees at the state and national levels, including as Chairman of the Yobe State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy, Chairman of the Yobe State Border Development Committee, and Member of the Body of Benchers. His expertise in international law and asset recovery is widely acknowledged, with certifications from institutions such as the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the Basel Institute on Governance, and the International Centre for Asset Recovery, Switzerland. His Lordship has also facilitated judicial training on counter-terrorism, financial crimes, asset recovery, and international cooperation in trans-border crime investigations.
A recipient of numerous honours and commendations, Hon. Justice Abubakar has been recognized by the United Nations, the National Judicial Council, and the Nigerian Bar Association for his outstanding service to the legal profession. His scholarly contributions are evident in the numerous papers he has presented at judicial conferences, national and international workshops, covering topics such as appellate judgment writing, plea bargaining, constitutional rights of accused persons, economic and financial crimes, and judicial ethics.
In recognition of his meritorious service to the nation, he was conferred with the prestigious national honour of Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR). His Lordship remains a towering figure in the Nigerian legal landscape, committed to upholding justice, the rule of law, and judicial integrity.