Born on November 16, 1958, Hon. Justice Mohammed Lawal Garba, CFR hails from Gusau Local Government Area of Zamfara State. His educational foundation laid the groundwork for his exemplary career. He attended Demonstration Primary School, Maru (1965–1971), Government Secondary School, Gusau (1972–1976), School of Basic Studies, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria (1976–1977), Faculty of Law, ABU, Zaria (1977–1980), earning his Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) degree.
He also attended Nigerian Law School, Lagos (1980–1981), where he was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1981 as well as the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS), University of Lagos, Akoka (1989), further enhancing his legal knowledge and expertise.
Hon. Justice Garba commenced his legal career in 1981 under the National Youth Service Scheme at the Nigerian Airforce Headquarters, Lagos. His rise through the judiciary and legal administration is marked by a series of significant appointments. He previously served as a Magistrate, Sokoto State Judiciary (1982–1986); Deputy Chief Registrar, High Court of Justice, Sokoto State (1989–1991); Solicitor-General/Director-General, Ministry of Justice, Sokoto State (1991–1993); Judge, High Court of Justice, Sokoto State (1993–1996); and later, Chief Judge, High Court of Justice, Zamfara State (1996–2004).
In 2004, Hon. Justice Garba was elevated to the Court of Appeal, where he served with distinction for 16 years. During his tenure at the Court of Appeal, he was the Presiding Justice in several divisions, including Abuja, Calabar, Port Harcourt, and Lagos, between 2010 and 2020. On November 6, 2020, Hon. Justice Garba was elevated to the Supreme Court of Nigeria, where he continues to contribute to the development of Nigerian jurisprudence through landmark decisions and the interpretation of the Constitution.
His Lordship’s service extends beyond the bench. Over the years, he has held significant positions on national and judicial bodies including: Member, Body of Benchers (1996–2004; 2010–date); Life Bencher (2018–date); Member, Board of Governors, National Judicial Institute (NJI), Abuja (1996–2004); Member, Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) (1997–1999); Member, Presidential Election Petition Panel (2011); Chairman, Presidential Election Petition Panel (2019).
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the judiciary and the legal profession, Hon. Justice Garba was conferred with the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR).