Two Court of Appeal Justices were among the victims of the Hajj stampede that claimed over 700 lives at Mina, Saudi Arabia on Thrusday.

This was disclosed via a statement by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Mahmud Mohammed on Saturday.

‎In the statement, the CJN, named one of the deceased Justices as Abdulkadir Jega, who is the Presiding Justice of the Abuja Division of the appellate court and Justice Musa Hassan Alkali of the Ilorin Division‎.

Justice Mohammed, in a condolence message to their families,expressed his shock upon hearing the unfortunate news saying their death was not only a huge loss to the Judiciary but also to the country.

‎The statement, signed by his media aide, Mr. Ahuraka Isah, said: “The CJN, Justice Mohammed on behalf of the entire Judiciary in the country prayed the Almighty Allah to grant the soul of departed Justices eternal rest and their families the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

“Justice Mohammed expressed his personal condolences to the immediate family and relations as well as friends and associates of the highly respected jurists who will be greatly missed by the entire judiciary.

“His Lordship urges members of the deceased families to be comforted by the knowledge that the departed jurists served their country with commitment, dedication ‎and honesty.
“The CJN‎ prays that Almighty Allah will receive their soul and grant them al-janah”.