By Mustapha Babalola Toheeb.
Welcome to another edition of my Law History Series, an enlightening publication that embarks on a captivating journey through the rich and inspiring history of the Nigerian legal profession. In this publication, we delve deep into the annals of time to uncover the remarkable stories of pioneers, visionaries, and trailblazers who have shaped and elevated the legal profession of our
great nation. From the indomitable spirit of the earliest legal practitioners to the triumphs and challenges faced by today’s legal luminaries, join us as we explore the past, celebrate the present, and ignite a passion for justice, excellence, equity, and the rule of law.
In this edition, we will be discussing about a woman who is an embodiment of diligence and passion, she exemplifies how those who pursue their craft with unwavering dedication can inadvertently become trailblazers, she is no other person than Justice Aloma Mariam Mukhtar.
Justice Aloma Mariam Mukhtar, an eminent Nigerian jurist and pioneer, has dedicated her life to advancing human rights, justice, and gender equality within the legal profession. Born on November 20th, 1944, in Lagos, Nigeria, she was raised by her parents Muktari Mukhtar and Hadiza Mukhtar. Her educational journey began at Saint George’s Primary School in Zaria, Nigeria, followed by her completion of primary education at St. Bartholomew School in 1957. Justice Aloma’s pursuit of education took her to Somerset, England, where she obtained her General Certificate of Education (GCE) Ordinary level certificates from Rossholme School for girls in 1962. Overcoming the challenges of being the only African student in her school, Aloma’s transformative experience at Rossholme School laid the foundation for her future achievements. While initially considering nursing and library studies, she developed a growing interest in the field of law during her time at Reading Technical College in Berkshire, England. Motivated by a challenge from her male friends, Justice Aloma wholeheartedly embraced the legal profession and pursued her Law degree at Gibson and Weldon College of Law, England. She was called to the English Bar in absentia in 1966 and subsequently admitted to the Nigerian Bar in 1967.
Justice Aloma’s legal career spanned over four decades, during which she showcased exceptional brilliance, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to justice. She began her legal journey as a State Counsel in the Ministry of Justice, Northern Nigeria, where she honed her legal skills and demonstrated her passion for upholding the law.
Embarking on her legal career in 1967, Justice Aloma Mukhtar blazed a trail as a Pupil State Counsel at the Ministry of Justice in Northern Nigeria, becoming the pioneer female lawyer across the nineteen states of the region. Recognizing her exceptional abilities, the Late Alhaji Buba Ardo entrusted her with the crucial task of resolving a backlog of cases in Maiduguri, appointing her as an interim magistrate. In this historic role, Justice Aloma became the first woman to assume the position of Magistrate in the Northern States of Nigeria, exhibiting her outstanding judicial skills until 1973. Continuing her journey of groundbreaking achievements, she later assumed the position of Chief Registrar at the Kano State Government Judiciary.
In 1977, her expertise and dedication led to her appointment as a judge for the esteemed Kano State High Court, making her the third woman to hold such a position in Nigeria’s history. Notably, she became the first female judge in the Northern region and the country’s youngest judge at a remarkable thirty-two years of age. A decade later, in 1987, Justice Aloma Mukhtar reached yet another historic milestone as she ascended to the position of Justice of the Court of Appeal, becoming the first woman to achieve this distinction. Her exceptional contributions and unwavering commitment to justice led her to serve on the Court of Appeal until 2005.
From there, she was appointed as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, adding another illustrious first to her already remarkable career. From 2005 to 2014, she made history as the first woman to grace Nigeria’s highest court, making significant contributions to the country’s legal landscape. In addition to her national service, Justice Aloma Mukhtar’s influence extended beyond Nigeria’s borders as she also served as a Justice of the Supreme Court of The Gambia from 2011 to 2012. Throughout her extraordinary journey, Justice Aloma Mukhtar’s unwavering dedication to justice, groundbreaking achievements, and trailblazing spirit have left an indelible legacy within the Nigerian legal profession.
On July 16th, 2012, Justice Aloma Mukhtar was sworn in as the first woman Chief Justice of Nigeria by the then serving President of Nigeria Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, who conferred on her the National Honour of the Grand Commander of the Order of Niger (GCON). A woman of unfaltering courage and admirable tenacity, Justice Aloma Mukhtar has contributed tirelessly to the advancement of justice and the rule of law in Nigeria. She has served as the Vice president of the National Association of Female Judges in Nigeria and has been honored for contributions to gender parity and justice. In 2005, she was inducted into the Nigerian Hall of fame, before receiving the National honor of the Grand Commander of the Order of Niger in 2012, as well as the Gold Merit Award for her contributions to the development of law in Kano State in 2016.
Described as ‘incorruptible’ Justice Aloma is known for her integrity and impartiality. In her capacity as Chief Justice, she launched investigations into corrupt members of the justice system, holding those found guilty accountable for their actions; notably stating “Corruption is in every system of our society and I cannot pretend that it is not in the judiciary. I will encourage internal cleansing based on petition and as much as possible ensure that bad eggs are removed so that the confidence reposed in the judiciary will be restored once again.” This is indeed the legacy of her tenure on the bench, rooting out frivolous petitions, corruption, and streamlining the delivery of justice in Nigeria.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Mariam Aloma Mukhtar’s legacy lies in her unwavering commitment to empowering women and promoting gender equality.
Throughout her career, she actively championed the cause of women’s rights, serving as a mentor and role model for aspiring female lawyers. Her trailblazing journey shattered glass ceilings and inspired countless women to pursue careers in law and break through societal barriers.
Mariam Aloma Mukhtar’s contributions to the Nigerian legal system and her unwavering commitment to justice have not gone unnoticed. She has been the recipient of numerous accolades and awards, both nationally and internationally, for her exceptional contributions to the legal profession and her advocacy for human rights.
Mariam Aloma Mukhtar’s journey from a modest upbringing to the pinnacle of the Nigerian judiciary is a testament to her unyielding spirit, intellect, and determination. Her unwavering commitment to justice, advocacy for women’s rights, and transformative leadership have left an indelible mark on the legal landscape of Nigeria.
Justice Aloma Mukhtar, an embodiment of diligence and passion, exemplifies how those who pursue their craft with unwavering dedication can inadvertently become trailblazers. Often, the pursuit of excellence and the love for their work lead exceptional individuals to break barriers and become the “firsts” in their fields. Justice Aloma Mukhtar’s awe-inspiring journey perfectly embodies this truth. With a remarkable blend of perseverance and talent, she carved her path, not seeking to be a trailblazer but rather driven by her unwavering commitment to her craft. Her indomitable spirit and tireless efforts propelled her to become a pioneer, shattering glass ceilings and leaving an indelible mark. Justice Aloma Mukhtar’s story is a testament to the power of pursuing one’s passions wholeheartedly and how it can shape history, inspire generations, and ignite a transformative wave of change.
Bibliography
Aluwong Jeremiah. (December 10th, 2018.) “You Should Know: Aloma Mariam Mukhtar” Channels tv. Com. (Image). Accessed on May 6th 2023 from https://www.google.com/search?q=Aloma+Mukhtar&client=ucweb-lite-b&channel=sb#imgrc=bP-1B0J7wsJYQM: Bauer Gretchen and Dawuni Josephine (2016 ). “Gender and the Judiciary in Africa: From Obscurity to Parity?” New York: Routledge. Dawuni Josephine and Kang Alice. (2015) “Her Ladyship Chief Justice: The Rise of Female Leaders in the Judiciary” University of Nebraska-Lincoln at pg. 53 Ikechukwu Nnochiri, (November 20th, 2014) “CJN: No Regrets over my Actions: Mukthar”. Accessed on May 6th 2023 from https://www.vanguardngr.com/2014/11/cjn-regrets-actions-mukhtar/ Ikhilae Eric, (July 5th, 2012). “Justice Marriam Aloma Mukhtar a Profile” The Nation ( Nigeria). Vintage press limited. Accessed on May 6th 2023 from https://web.archive.org/web/20120708083353/http://www.thenationonlineng.net/2011/index.php/news-update/52790-justice-mariam-aloma-muktar-a-profile.html Ikuomola Vincent, (July 16th, 2012). “First Female CJN Sworn in Decorated with GCON” The Nation (Nigeria). Vintage press limited. Accessed on May 6th 2023 from https://web.archive.org/web/20120718022847/http://www.thenationonlineng.net/2011/index.php/news/54073-jonathan-swears-in-first-female-cjn.html Lawal Dare, (November 28th, 2014). “What a woman! 10 things you did not know about Nigeria’s immediate past chief justice, Aloma Mukhtar”. The ScoopNG. Accessed on May 6th 2023 from https://thescoopng.com/2014/11/28/woman-10-things-know-nigerias-immediate-past-chief-justice-aloma-mukhtar/ Mariam Aloma Mukhtar: A Beacon of Justice and Empowerment
In this article