The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has condemned a reported courtroom incident involving Justice Mohammed Umar, describing the alleged directive for a lawyer to kneel as inconsistent with judicial standards and the dignity of the legal profession.
Channels Television reported that the incident occurred during proceedings in a case involving activist Omoyele Sowore, who is being prosecuted by the Department of State Services over alleged cyber-related offences.
According to the report, the presiding judge warned the defence counsel, Marshall Abubakar, over his tone while making submissions and, at one point, allegedly ordered him to “come out and kneel down” in open court. Other lawyers present intervened, pleading for leniency, after which the judge adjourned the matter.
In a statement issued Monday, NBA President Afam Osigwe expressed concern over reports that Justice Umar’s directive targeted Abubakar during the Federal High Court proceedings in Abuja. The association noted that the order followed an exchange in which the lawyer raised his voice while questioning the suitability of a hearing date, prompting threats of committal for contempt.
“The courtroom is a temple of justice, governed by law, procedure, and decorum,” the NBA statement read. “Judicial authority must always be exercised within established legal limits.”
While acknowledging that judges are empowered to maintain order, the association stressed that such powers are not absolute. “A judge directing a legal practitioner, or any person, to kneel in court is not a recognised judicial sanction under Nigerian law and does not align with the standards of judicial conduct expected on the Bench,” the NBA said.
The association further emphasized that contempt powers are well-defined and must follow established procedures to ensure fairness, objectivity, and respect for the rights and dignity of all parties. “If a judge believes a person has acted contemptuously, the matter must be addressed through accepted legal channels,” the NBA added.
The NBA also reminded lawyers of their professional obligations, urging them to maintain restraint and decorum at all times. “Lawyers are entitled—and obligated—to advocate firmly and fearlessly on behalf of their clients, but advocacy must be exercised within the bounds of courtesy. Disagreements with the court, however strongly felt, must be expressed through proper legal channels,” the statement said.
The association underscored that the relationship between the Bar and the Bench is fundamental to the administration of justice and must be guided by mutual respect. It called for calm and urged that grievances arising from courtroom incidents be addressed through appropriate institutional and disciplinary mechanisms.
Reacting to the development, Sowore criticised the incident on X, questioning the state of justice in the country. “How do you expect justice in a country where a judge orders a solid lawyer to kneel down…?” he wrote, noting that the lawyer stood his ground.
Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong also condemned the directive, stating, “Corporal punishment has no place in the temple of justice. It is better to be imprisoned as a lawyer than to be compelled to kneel in the courtroom.”
The NBA reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the rule of law, professional standards, and judicial ethics and said it would engage relevant authorities as necessary to preserve the integrity of the legal system.
