By David Lawani, Abuja
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has strongly condemned an alleged courtroom incident at the Federal High Court in Abuja, where a judge reportedly ordered a lawyer to kneel, describing the action as a grave affront to the dignity of the legal profession and the sanctity of the court.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the NBA President, Afam Osigwe, SAN, said the association was deeply disturbed by reports that Justice Mohammed Umar ordered Mr Marshall Abubakar, lead defence counsel to activist Omoyele Sowore, to step out of the Bar and kneel during proceedings on Monday.
According to the account, the judge allegedly became angry after the lawyer raised his voice during an exchange over a hearing date and threatened to have him committed for contempt.
Reacting, the NBA said such conduct has no place in Nigeria’s justice system.
“A courtroom is a temple of justice, not a place for humiliation,” the association declared.
While acknowledging that judges possess powers to maintain order and discipline in court, the NBA stressed that those powers must be exercised strictly within the confines of the law.
“The law clearly provides procedures for addressing contempt, and those procedures must be followed. Ordering a lawyer, or any person, to kneel is not a recognised judicial sanction under Nigerian law and falls far below the standards expected of the Bench,” the statement said.
The association emphasised that the dignity and authority of the judiciary are not only reflected in its rulings but also in the conduct of judges on the Bench.
“The dignity of the court lies not just in its rulings, but in its conduct. Where contempt is alleged, due process is mandatory, not discretionary,” the NBA noted.
At the same time, the association reminded lawyers of their professional obligation to remain respectful and disciplined while appearing before the court.
According to the NBA, while advocacy must remain fearless and robust, lawyers must ensure that disagreements with the court are expressed through proper legal channels rather than through conduct that disrupts proceedings.
The body warned that the justice system thrives on mutual respect between the Bar and the Bench, stressing that this delicate balance must never be undermined.
The NBA, therefore, called for calm among members of the legal community and urged that any grievances arising from the incident be addressed through appropriate institutional and disciplinary mechanisms.
It also signalled its readiness to engage relevant authorities to ensure that judicial ethics, the rule of law, and professional standards within Nigeria’s legal system are upheld.
