NBA Declares: No Judge Has Power to Order Lawyer to Kneel in Court, Condemns Abuja Judge’s Directive to Sowore’s Counsel

 

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has strongly condemned reports that a Federal High Court judge in Abuja ordered a defence lawyer to kneel in open court, insisting that no judicial officer possesses the power under Nigerian law to issue such a directive.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN), expressed deep concern over the incident involving Justice Mohammed Umar and defence counsel Marshall Abubakar, who was representing activist and publisher Omoyele Sowore in an alleged cyber-bullying case.

According to reports, the confrontation arose during proceedings on Monday when the lawyer allegedly raised his voice while making submissions. Despite repeated warnings to lower his tone, Justice Umar reportedly threatened to commit him for contempt and ordered him to “come out and kneel down” in the courtroom. The humiliating directive was only averted after other lawyers, including a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, intervened and pleaded with the judge.54e835

The NBA described the development as “disturbing” and inconsistent with judicial standards.

“A judge directing a legal practitioner or indeed any person whatsoever to kneel in court is not a recognised judicial sanction under our laws and does not align with the standards of judicial conduct expected on the Bench,” Osigwe stated.

He emphasised that while judges have the authority to maintain order and discipline in court, including powers to punish for contempt, such powers must be exercised strictly within the bounds of the law and established procedures — not arbitrarily or in a manner that degrades the dignity of the legal profession or the courtroom as a “temple of justice.”91dd37

The association stressed that kneeling is not among recognised sanctions in Nigerian jurisprudence and falls outside acceptable judicial conduct. It urged judges to uphold decorum and respect for all parties, including counsel, while calling for restraint in the use of contempt powers.

The incident has sparked widespread outrage on social media and among legal practitioners, with many describing the alleged order as humiliating and reminiscent of outdated disciplinary methods unfit for a modern courtroom or the legal profession.

The NBA said it was treating the matter with utmost seriousness due to its potential implications for the integrity of the judiciary and the dignity of lawyers. It did not specify further actions but reiterated its commitment to protecting the rights and respect due to legal practitioners.

This is not the first time concerns have been raised about courtroom conduct and the treatment of lawyers in Nigeria, but the latest episode has reignited debates on the limits of judicial authority and the need for mutual respect between the bench and the bar.

As of the time of filing, Justice Mohammed Umar had not publicly responded to the reports or the NBA’s statement.

The case involving Omoyele Sowore continues in the Federal High Court, Abuja.