Muntaka Connmassie

Muntaka Connmassie, CON (10 February 1946 – 12 October 2017) was a Nigerian jurist who served as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

Early life and education

Connmassie was born on 10 February 1946 in present-day Kaduna State, Nigeria.

He began his career as a teacher, teaching Arabic and English in schools in Kaduna and Zaria before leaving the teaching profession as principal of the Provincial Arabic School, Fada, Zaria.

He later studied law, obtaining a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) degree in 1976. He attended the Nigerian Law School and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1977.

Judicial career

Connmassie began his legal career as a State Counsel in the Kwara State Ministry of Justice between 1977 and 1978 before transferring to the Kaduna State Ministry of Justice in 1978.

Between 1978 and 1988, he served in several judicial administrative positions within the Kaduna State Judiciary, including Associate Magistrate, Senior Magistrate, Chief Magistrate, Deputy Chief Registrar and Chief Registrar.

He was subsequently appointed a Justice of the Court of Appeal, serving in the Port Harcourt, Jos, Abuja, Ilorin and Benin divisions before his elevation to the Supreme Court of Nigeria in 2008.

During his judicial career, Connmassie served on several national committees and tribunals, including the Justice Karibi-Whyte Disturbance Tribunal. He was also a member of the Body of Benchers and participated in professional conferences and seminars on constitutional law and Sharia law.

Honours

Connmassie was invested as a Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON). He also received the Time News Magazine Nigeria Merit Award in 2006.

Personal life

Connmassie was married and had children.

Death

Connmassie died on 12 October 2017 at the age of 71.