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 w...