Mr Aliyu Umar, SAN, the Counsel to the Federal Government in the non-assets declaration case against the erstwhile Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen, has died and buried in Kano State, according to Islamic rites on Friday.
Umar, a former Attorney- General and Commissioner for Justice of Kano State was said to have lost his life after battling a protracted illness, at his residence in Farm Centre area of Kano metropolis.
He died at age of 68.
Following his demise, President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday joined the government and people of Kano State in mourning Umar, who passed on yesterday. In the same vein, President Buhari also condoled with the Emir of Daura, Alhaji Umar Farouk Umar, over the death of his wife, Hajiya Binta Umar.
Confirming Umar’s death in Kano, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of Kano State High Court, Mr. Baba Jibo, said: “Umar died at 4am. He has been buried according to Islamic rites on Friday morning at his home in Farm Centre area of Kano.” Also, a family member of the deceased, Muhammed Kawule, said Umar died of lung cancer.
Before his death, Umar served in various capacities with the Kano State Ministry of Justice and retired as a Director of Public Prosecution (DPP). Recall that Umar ventured into private legal practice as a Principal Partner with A.A. Umar (SAN) and Co. He served as a Commissioner for Justice and Kano State Attorney-General for two consecutive terms between 2003 and 2011 and became SAN in 2013. Umar took a lead in the Pfizer-Nigeria drug suit, which yielded positive outcome for Pfizer clinical test victims in the state.
However, President Buhari commiserated with the family and all professional colleagues, especially in the public service, affirming that the deceased dedicated his life and intellect to the service of the country and humanity. According to a statement issued by his spokesman, Garba Shehu, President Buhari recalled Umar’s sacrifices, dedication and commitment to pursuit of justice in the country.
Buhari said Umar’s investment of time and resources in handling some of the most sensitive criminal cases in the country will always be remembered, and his willingness to prosecute for benefit of the state and downtrodden had left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s justice system. Meanwhile, a statement made available to journalists yesterday by his spokesman, Garba Shehu, the President in a telephone call to the Emir yesterday, said: “I am personally touched and saddened by the death of your senior wife Hajiya Binta Umar at the age of 70.
“The deceased had lived a fulfilled life worthy of emulation. She was an epitome of great virtues. My heart and prayers are with you and members of your family over the demise of this pillar of your household.
