Honourable Justice Binta Fatimat Murtala Nyako is one of Nigeria’s most prominent jurists. A long-serving judge of the Federal High Court, a former chief judge at the state level, and an international voice for women in the judiciary, she has shaped legal practice, promoted gender representation on the bench, and represented Nigerian judicial perspectives on the global stage.

This biography traces her life from northern Nigeria to the pinnacles of the legal profession, highlighting milestones, controversies, achievements, and the lasting influence of her work.

Data

• Full Name: Binta Fatimat Remawa Nyako
• Born: 14 May 1959
• Age: (as of 2025) ~ 66 years
• Birthplace: Remawa (now in Rimi), Katsina, Nigeria
• State of Origin: Katsina State
• Nationality: Nigerian
• Occupation: Lawyer, Judge (Federal High Court)
• Religion: Islam / Muslim
• Spouse: Murtala Nyako
• Children: Yes — she has children.
• Net Worth: Estimated US$ 350,000

Early life and education

Binta Fatimat Remawa Nyako was born on 14 May 1959 in Remawa (now in Rimi), Katsina Province (Northern Region), British Nigeria. She attended Queen’s College, Lagos — one of Nigeria’s most prestigious secondary schools — before studying law at Ahmadu Bello University where she earned her LL.B. She subsequently completed the Nigerian Law School and was called to the bar, beginning a legal career that would see several firsts for women from her region.

Early legal career (State counsel to Attorney General)

Justice Nyako cut her teeth in public service. Between the early 1980s and the mid-1990s she served in the Katsina State Ministry of Justice as a State Counsel and later rose to the office of Solicitor General. In 1994 she was appointed Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Katsina State — a senior administrative and legal role that placed her at the center of state-level justice administration. These years provided courtroom experience, policy insight, and a network that would later support her ascent to the bench.

Appointment to the bench — Federal High Court (2000)

In July 2000 Justice Nyako was appointed a judge of the Federal High Court of Nigeria. Over more than two decades on the Federal High Court she adjudicated across a wide spectrum of matters — criminal law, constitutional questions, human rights cases, and matters involving federal jurisdiction. Her long tenure on this national court made her one of the more influential and experienced federal judges in Nigeria.

Making history — First female Chief Judge of Bauchi State (2014–2017)

In 2014 Justice Nyako became the first woman to serve as Chief Judge of Bauchi State — a historic appointment that marked her as a trailblazer for female judicial leadership in northern Nigeria and across the country. She served in that role until 2017, during which time she presided over administrative reforms, worked to improve judicial access in her state, and emphasized mentorship for younger female lawyers and magistrates. The appointment also underscored a growing acceptance of women in senior judicial office across several Nigerian states.

National and international leadership roles

Beyond courtroom duties, Justice Nyako has been a visible leader for women judges. She has served as President of Nigeria’s National Association of Women Judges — a group dedicated to networking, professional development, and advocating for gender-sensitive jurisprudence. On the international stage she reached a major milestone in 2023 when she was elected President of the International Association of Women Judges (IAWJ) for the 2023–2025 term, representing judges from across the globe and promoting judicial independence, gender equality in the judiciary, and capacity-building programs for members.

Notable cases, controversies and public profile

Justice Nyako’s profile on the bench means her name appears in high-profile and sometimes controversial matters. Media coverage has followed her for rulings, recusals, and administrative decisions. As with many long-serving judges, a mix of praise and critique accompanied certain decisions — some commentators applauded her firmness and fairness, while critics scrutinized rulings that touched on politically sensitive issues. Regardless of controversy, her judicial career has been distinguished by an assertive belief in institutional integrity and the rule of law.

Judicial philosophy and impact

Justice Nyako’s judicial philosophy combines respect for precedent with attention to social justice concerns — particularly where the law intersects with human rights, gender issues, and access to remedy. Her leadership roles show a constant effort to create pathways for women within the legal profession, both through mentoring and by supporting institutional change: improving court procedures, encouraging training, and promoting international judicial exchange.

Personal life

Justice Nyako is married to Murtala Nyako, a retired navy officer and a former governor; this union is often noted in public biographies. She balances a demanding public career with family life and is widely reported to be actively involved in community and professional associations. Her personal story — from Remawa to prominent national and international judicial roles — is often cited as inspiration for young women from northern Nigeria and beyond.

Awards, speaking engagements and publications

As a prominent jurist, Justice Nyako has been invited to speak at legal conferences, women-judges forums, and international justice events. She has participated in panels and interviews focusing on judicial independence, gender-sensitive adjudication, and transitional justice issues — including interviews and contributions to UNODC and other international organizations. These appearances underscore her role as both practitioner and thought leader.

Legacy and why she matters

• Representation: She broke gender barriers in both her state and at national levels, serving as a role model for female legal practitioners.
• Longevity and experience: Over two decades on the Federal High Court provided a depth of jurisprudential influence.
• International leadership: Her IAWJ presidency amplifies Nigerian perspectives on gender and justice globally.
• Mentorship and reform: She has worked to strengthen the bench through training and advocacy for improved judicial processes.

FAQs — Justice Binta Nyako

When and where was Justice Binta Nyako born?

She was born on 14 May 1959 in Remawa (now Rimi), Katsina Province, Northern Nigeria.

What are Justice Nyako’s key educational credentials?

She attended Queen’s College, Lagos, earned an LL.B from Ahmadu Bello University, and completed the Nigerian Law School.

When was she appointed to the Federal High Court?

Justice Nyako was appointed a judge of the Federal High Court in July 2000.

Has she held any chief judge positions?

Yes — she was the first female Chief Judge of Bauchi State, serving from 2014 to 2017.

Is she involved in international judicial organizations?

Yes — she was elected President of the International Association of Women Judges (IAWJ) for the 2023–2025 term.

Who is Justice Nyako married to?

She is married to Murtala Nyako, a retired naval officer and a former governor.

Conclusion

Justice Binta Nyako’s life and career tell the story of persistent advancement, public service, and leadership. From her early days in Katsina to a long tenure on Nigeria’s Federal High Court and leadership of the International Association of Women Judges, she has been a visible advocate for judicial professionalism and gender inclusion. Her achievements — and the path she has carved for others — make her an important figure in both Nigerian and international law.