President Bola Tinubu has expressed sadness over the death of Kharisu Sufiyanu Chukkol, a renowned legal scholar from Adamawa state.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the president extended his heartfelt condolences to the late professor’s family, students, and mentees.

The legal icon, a native of Mayo Belwa in Adamawa State, died on Sunday evening in Abuja at 79.

Mr Chukkol devoted his professional life to teaching and advancing law at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

Recognising his contributions to legal education in Nigeria, Mr Tinubu described the late professor as a “towering figure in Nigerian legal scholarship”.

Mr Tinubu also commended Mr Chukkol’s groundbreaking book, “The Law of Crimes in Nigeria,” published in 1988. He described it as “a cornerstone reference for legal practitioners and scholars.”

“Among Prof Chukkol’s ex-students are serving justices of the Supreme Court of Nigeria and various courts, senior lawyers, and the incumbent National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu,” the president said.

Additionally, Mr Tinubu acknowledged Mr Chukkol’s lasting legacy through his son, Abdulkarim Chukkol, who served as the previous acting chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

He prayed for Allah’s mercy and eternal peace for Mr Chukkol’s soul and offered comfort to those affected by his passing.

“I urge the family, students, and all touched by Professor Chukkol’s life to find solace in his remarkable achievements and the enduring impact of his work. May Allah grant him eternal peace,” the president said.