Past & Current Chairman

THE Chief Justice of Nigeria(CJN)

Chairman of Federal Judicial Service Commission (2006-2007):

Salihu Modibo Alfa Belgore was born on January 17, 1937, in Kwara State. His early schooling was completed in Nigeria, and he received his professional training at the Inns of Court School of Law, London and the Honourable Society of the Inner Temple.

1964 was an illustrious year for Justice Belgore. In February he was called to the Outer Bar at the Inner Temple, and after completing his qualifications from the Nigerian Law School, he was appointed as Associate Magistrate in the Judiciary of Northern Nigeria.

Belgore served there in various capacities as a Judge for more than a decade. In 1977, he was appointed Chief Judge of Plateau State and remained in that position until 1979 when he became a Justice of the Court of Appeal. After serving in this office for nearly 10 years, Belgore was elevated to the Supreme Court Bench in 1986.

Justice Belgore is known for maintaining a very stern look while performing his duties as a Judge, but he has always been looked upon as a very pleasant person with an endearing demeanor. As is necessary for any Judge, Belgore remains focused on his duties and responsibilities at all times, especially while in public where he has become a widely recognized and respected figure. He speaks many languages, including Fulfulde, Hausa, Ibo, Yoruba Nupe, Arabic, French, Spanish, Aramaic and Latin. Justice Belgore’s hobbies are Mathematics, Physics, Medicine and similar scholarly pursuits, and he is widely versed in the many different cultures of our nation.

During the 20 years that Justice Belgore has served on the Supreme Court Bench, he has done so with dignity and prestige. He was the Chairman of the Federal Judicial Service Commission until he retired in 2007. Justice Idris L. Kutigi took over the honorable position in January 2007.