The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has condemned an incident at the Federal High Court in Abuja where a judge allegedly ordered a lawyer representing Omoyele Sowore to kneel during proceedings.
NBA described the reported action as inconsistent with established judicial powers and professional standards.
According to media report, the incident occurred on Monday during the ongoing trial involving Sowore and the State Security Service, SSS, presided over by Justice Mohammed Umar.
The judge directed defence counsel, Marshall Abubakar, to step out of the Bar and kneel after he raised his voice while addressing the court on the suitability of a hearing date.
The judge was also said to have threatened committal for contempt.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, NBA President Afam Osigwe said the association viewed the development with “utmost seriousness,” citing its implications for the dignity of the legal profession and the sanctity of the courtroom.
“The courtroom is a temple of justice, governed by law, procedure, and decorum. While judges are vested with the authority to maintain order and discipline in their courts, such authority must be exercised strictly within the bounds of the law and established judicial standards,” he said.
Mr Osigwe emphasised that although the power to punish for contempt is well recognised, it is “circumscribed by defined legal procedures designed to ensure fairness, objectivity, and respect for the rights and dignity of all persons appearing before the court.”
“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,” he added.
He further stressed that “the dignity of the court must be preserved not only in outcome but also in process,” noting that where a judge believes a person has acted contemptuously, “the judge MUST follow the accepted way of conducting proceedings for such allegations.”
The NBA also reminded legal practitioners of their responsibilities, urging lawyers to maintain restraint, professionalism, and respect for the court at all times.
“While lawyers are entitled, indeed obligated, to advocate firmly and fearlessly on behalf of their clients, such advocacy must always be exercised within the bounds of courtesy and decorum,” the statement said.
The association maintained 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 restraint, urging that grievances arising from courtroom incidents be addressed through appropriate institutional and disciplinary mechanisms, while reaffirming its readiness to engage relevant authorities to uphold the rule of law, judicial ethics, and professional standards.
