Born on October 25, 1970, in Kano, Nigeria, and hails from Lavun Local Government Area in Niger State. His academic journey began at Zarumai Primary School in Minna, where he completed his early education before moving on to Federal Government College, Minna, and Kings College, Lagos. He continued his studies at Usmanu Dan Fodio University in Sokoto, where he earned a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) degree in 1992, graduating with Second Class Honours, Upper Division. He was called to the Nigerian Bar in December 1993, after completing his studies at the Nigerian Law School, Lagos and graduating with Second Class Honours, Upper Division.
His Lordship’s pursuit of further legal education saw him earn a Master of Laws (LL.M) degree from the University of Lagos in 1997, followed by two Doctor of Laws (PhD) degrees—one from European American University in 2010 and another from Aldersgate College in 2019. In addition, Hon. Justice Idris is an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK) and a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (Nigeria).
Hon. Justice Idris’ legal career began in 1993, when he undertook his National Youth Service at Isau A. Saka & Co. in Ilorin, Kwara State. His career further blossomed when he joined the prestigious Chief Rotimi Williams’ Chamber, where he practiced from 1994 to 2003. During this period, he was involved in a wide range of legal matters, including litigation in courts of record, conveyancing, commercial law, probate, and the administration of estates and companies.
In addition to his work in litigation, Hon. Justice Idris held several important roles in company secretarial practice, providing legal advice and managing corporate governance at several organizations such as Pharmadeko Plc, and Data Processing Maintenance & Services Limited. From 2004 to 2007, he also served as the Head of Legal & Chartering at Oando Supply & Trading Limited, overseeing commercial transactions, legal compliance, and corporate governance. In 2007, he worked with Fidelis Oditah & Co., Legal Practitioners & Arbitrators in Lagos, where he gained experience in civil and criminal litigation at various levels, including the Supreme Court.
Hon. Justice Idris’ judicial career began in 2008 when he was appointed as a Judge of the Federal High Court, where he served until 2018 when he was elevated to the Court of Appeal, where he served until 2024. In February 2024, he was appointed as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, a position he currently holds. Throughout his judicial career, Hon. Justice Idris has delivered numerous landmark judgments, contributing to the development of Nigeria’s legal system, particularly in the areas of constitutional and business law.
Hon. Justice Idris has received several awards, including the Best Performance Award from the Faculty of Law at Usmanu Danfodio University in 1987, 1988, and 1989. In 2014, he was awarded the Aare Afe Babalola Prize for being the overall best candidate and the winner of the first and best position in the award of Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (FCIArb). He has also authored several notable works, including Harmonisation of Business Law in Africa: The Law, Issues, Problems and Prospects, Unified Business Laws for Africa: Common Law Perspective, and Practice and Procedure for the Enforcement of Human Rights in Nigeria.
Hon. Justice Idris has attended numerous national and international conferences and courses to further his knowledge and contribute to the global legal community. These include the Terralex Conference in San Francisco, USA, the Company Secretarial Administration Course in London, and the International Oil Trading Course in London. He has also participated in the Ohada Nigeria International Conference and the Maritime Law Seminar for Judges in Calabar.
Known for his discipline, strong communication and negotiation skills, and ability to work under pressure, Hon. Justice Idris is highly respected for his professional conduct and his unwavering commitment to justice. His dedication to the legal profession is matched by his love for traveling and reading, hobbies that contribute to his continuous personal and professional growth.