The funeral service of the late Justice Paul Idi Apollos, attracted an outpouring of tributes as dignitaries, clergy, legal professionals, and sympathisers from across the country gathered at ECWA Goodnews,Church,GRA, Gombe, to pay their final respects.
The Church was filled to capacity with mourners from all walks of life, including jurists, lawyers, serving and former deputy governors of Gombe State, representatives of the Benue State Government, and clergy from various denominations.
Members of various church subgroups also participated in the solemn occasion.
This was contained in a press statement signed by Jack Tasha, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media and Publicity, (Deputy Governor’s Office).
Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, represented by his Deputy, Dr Manassah Daniel Jatau, extended the condolences of the government and described the late Justice Apollos as a distinguished gentleman whose contributions to the state’s judicial system were both profound and enduring.
“The state has lost a pillar of wisdom whose guidance would have been invaluable in shaping a better future,” the governor said.
Describing Justice Paul Apollos as an upright and fearless jurist, Jatau emphasised his significant impact on the judiciary and society at large. Citing John 9:4 and 2 Timothy 3:1, he remarked that the late justice had completed his earthly assignment and entered his eternal rest, noting that these are indeed perilous times foretold in the Bible.
“In today’s Nigeria, finding joy is difficult amid ongoing hardships, for me I have no pleasure in Nigeria of today” he said. “To lay your hands on the corpse of a loved one for burial is a privilege, as many die today without their families having access to their bodies.”
In his remarks, Rev. Stephen Panya Baba, former ECWA President and current Vice President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), who represented the CAN President, said the association had initially planned a condolence visit to the state over the recent Billiri Easter tragedy but decided to hold for the funeral upon hearing of Justice Apollos’ passing. He prayed for God’s comfort for the church and the bereaved family.
The Primate of the Anglican Communion, Nigeria, and Metropolitan, Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, along with a delegation from the Benue State Government, also sent condolence messages, urging the family to accept the loss as God’s will.
Other tributes came from Rev. Father Joseph Alphonsus Shinga, Chairman of CAN Gombe Chapter; Gideons International; Global Leadership Summit; Christian Lawyers Fellowship of Nigeria (CLASFON), Gombe Chapter; the Gombe State Judiciary; Nigerian Bar Association (Gombe Branch); Ahmadu Bello University Alumni Association (ABUA); and classmates of GSS Maiduguri, Class of 1977. They all expressed their heartfelt condolences to the family, the church, and the wider community.
Delivering the sermon, Rev. Apollos Hassan, Senior Minister of ECWA Goodnews Church, GRA Gombe, spoke from Genesis 2:15–17 and 3:1–19.
He urged the congregation to use their God-given gift of choice to obey divine commands. Preaching on the theme “Man’s Sin and Its Consequences,” he reminded attendees that God’s original plan for man was perfect until disobedience altered it.
“The consequence of disobedience is eternal condemnation, while obedience brings everlasting life,” he said, emphasising the inevitability of death and the need for everyone to live faithfully in preparation for judgment.
In her remarks, Mrs Comfort Apollos, wife of the late jurist and the former Chief Judge of Gombe State, Justice Hakila Heman as well as the serving Chief Judge, Honourable Justice Halima Mohammed who spoke through, Justice Haruna Habila Keren, all expressed gratitude to the government, the Church, and all who supported the family during their time of grief.
The remains of the Late Justice Paul Idi Apollos has been final interned in their family compound in Billiri Town.
