Justice Haruna Tsammani is a Nigerian jurist who has made a significant impact in the legal profession in the country. Born on November 23, 1959, in Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area of Bauchi State, Justice Tsammani had a strong desire to pursue a career in law from a young age. Today, he is widely regarded as one of the most respected judges in Nigeria, with a wealth of experience spanning over two decades.
Early Life and Education
Justice Haruna Tsammani was born in a small town in Bauchi State, Nigeria. He had his early education at the Government Primary School, Tafawa Balewa, before proceeding to Government Secondary School, Jama’are, where he obtained his West African School Certificate. In 1982, he graduated with an LL.B degree from the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and was subsequently called to the Nigerian Bar in 1983 after attending the Nigerian Law School, Lagos.
Career in Law
Justice Tsammani’s career in law started in 1984 when he joined the law firm of Sodipo & Co. as an associate. He worked there for a few years before he was appointed as a magistrate in Bauchi State. He later became a Chief Magistrate and then a Chief Registrar of the High Court of Bauchi State. In 1998, he was appointed as a Judge of the High Court of Bauchi State, a position he held until his elevation to the Court of Appeal in 2010.
As a judge, Justice Tsammani has presided over several high-profile cases in Nigeria, including the VAT case between the Rivers State Government and the Federal Government. He also served as the Chairman of the three-man panel that granted Obi and Atiku’s motions to serve Tinubu their petitions by substituted means. In addition, he was the judge who prepared the judgment in Ajimobi v Balogun, affirming the election of Kola Balogun as Senator representing Oyo South Senatorial District in 2019.
In recognition of his contribution to the legal profession, Justice Tsammani has been appointed to several committees and panels. He was a member of the National Judicial Council’s Committee on the Review of the Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers, as well as the Presidential Committee on Prison Decongestion.
Seniority in the Court of Appeal
Justice Tsammani’s elevation to the Court of Appeal in 2010 was a significant milestone in his legal career. He is currently ranked 12th on the Seniority list of the Court of Appeal, a testament to his experience and contribution to the judiciary in Nigeria. The Seniority list is an important ranking system used in the Nigerian judiciary to determine the order of seniority of judges in the appellate courts.
Personal Life
Outside of his professional life, Justice Tsammani is a family man who is married with children. He is also a devout Muslim and is actively involved in community development projects in his hometown of Tafawa Balewa.
Humanitarian
Justice Haruna Tsammani has been actively involved in community development projects in his hometown of Tafawa Balewa. As a prominent figure in the community, he has used his position to support various initiatives aimed at improving the lives of the people in the area.
One of the notable community development projects that Justice Tsammani has supported is the construction of a primary healthcare center in Tafawa Balewa. The healthcare center was built to provide basic medical services to the people in the community, especially those who cannot afford to travel to urban areas for medical treatment. The center is equipped with modern medical equipment and staffed with trained healthcare professionals.
Justice Tsammani has also been involved in the promotion of education in the community. He has supported the establishment of several schools in the area, including the construction of classrooms, provision of educational materials, and the recruitment of teachers. Through these efforts, many children in Tafawa Balewa have been able to access quality education, which has improved their prospects for the future.
In addition to healthcare and education, Justice Tsammani has supported various initiatives aimed at improving infrastructure and social amenities in Tafawa Balewa. He has provided financial support for the construction of roads, bridges, and other infrastructure projects. He has also supported the development of sports facilities, which has helped to promote sports and physical activity in the community.
Conclusion
Justice Haruna Tsammani’s life and career are a testimony to the value of hard work, dedication, and excellence. He has had a remarkable career in the legal profession in Nigeria, and his contributions to the judiciary have earned him the respect and admiration of his peers and colleagues. As he continues to serve on the Court of Appeal, there is no doubt that he will continue to make significant contributions to the development of the Nigerian legal system.
