Late Abutu shaped Nigeria jurisprudence as a courageous judge – AGF

By Vivian Okejeme Abuja

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice (AGF) Prince Lateef Fagbemi, Tuesday, said Late Justice Daniel Dantsoho Abutu, shaped Nigeria jurisprudence as a courageous judge.

The AGF submitted that the late erudite jurist did not only contributed his quota in the sustenance of Iegal education, constitutional democracy but also a patriot and true nationalist.

Fagbemi expressed this at a Valedictory Court Session in honour of the late Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Daniel Dantsoho Abutu.

The AGF who was represented by Tijani Gazali

He pleaded said Judges and Lawyers must ensure that people who deserve justice are not unjustly denied.

The late Justice Abutu, who served as the 5th Chief Judge of the Federal High Court of Nigeria from September 4, 2009 to March 15, 2011, died on June 3, 2025.

Speaking at the event, the AGF called on stakeholders in the justice sector to make input to the ongoing reform initiatives of the federal government aimed at safeguarding rights and enabling socio economic development.

Eulogizing the late Jurist he said that the late Chief Judge would fondly be remembered for his boldness, fearless and positive contributions to the country’s judiciary.

“As we assemble to pay glowing tribute to celebrate the life and time of a dedicated, firm and quintessential Jurist, we are equally celebrating our nation and profession.

“His Lordship was renown for his unwavering commitment to advancing the rule of law and  the administration of justice. Under his watch, the Federal High Court made commendable progress and boldly asserted Itself as a formidable temple of justice in Nigeria’s judicial architecture.

“The late erudite jurist not only contributed his quota in the sustenance of Iegal education, constitutional democracy but his Lordship also shaped our jurisprudence as a courageous judge. patriot and true nationalist.

The AGF expressed that the late Justice Abutu’s rulings and judgments were always articulate. often reflecting his personal dexterity, mastery of the law and legal scholarship.

“His Lordship’s contributions to nation building and social stability remain quite indelible and phenomenal. Sometime in 1998, the then military junta decided to scrap the Nigerian Law School, Lagos Campus and chose to alienate the premises upon the establishment of the Bwari Campus as the main and only Campus of the Nigerian Law School.