The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has condemned an alleged courtroom incident involving Justice Mohammed Umar, describing the reported directive for a lawyer to kneel as inconsistent with judicial standards and the dignity of the legal profession.
According to Channels Television, the incident occurred while Sowore was being prosecuted by the Department of State Services for various cyber-related offenses.
According to the story, the presiding judge cautioned the defense counsel about his tone when making comments and eventually ordered him to “come out and kneel down” in open court. Other lawyers present reportedly intervened, asking for leniency, and the judge delayed the case and rose for the day.
The group, in a statement published on Monday by its president, Afam Osigwe, expressed worry about allegations that the judge ordered Marshall Abubakar, who appeared as lead defense counsel for activist Omoyele Sowore, to kneel during proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
According to the NBA, the decision came after an exchange in court in which the lawyer raised his voice when addressing the judge about the propriety of a hearing date, resulting in warnings of contempt.
The group stated that the revelation raises serious issues regarding courtroom conduct and due process.
“The courtroom is a temple of justice, governed by law, procedure, and decorum,” the statement read, stressing that judicial authority must always be exercised within established legal limits.
While accepting that judges have the authority to maintain order and discipline, the NBA underlined that these powers are not absolute.
“A judge directing a legal practitioner or indeed any person whatsoever to kneel in court is not a recognized judicial sanction under our laws and does not align with the standards of judicial conduct expected on the Bench,” the association stated.
It further stated that although the power to punish for contempt is well recognized, it is governed by clearly defined procedures designed to ensure fairness, objectivity, and respect for the rights and dignity of all parties.
“If a judge is of the view that a person has acted in a manner that is contemptuous of the court, the judge MUST follow the accepted way of conducting proceedings for such allegations,” the NBA added.
The association also reminded lawyers of their professional obligations, advising them to show moderation and civility in 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. Disagreements with the court, no matter how strongly felt, must be expressed through proper legal channels,” it said.
The NBA emphasized that the relationship between the bar and the bench is critical to the administration of justice and should be governed by mutual respect. It advocated calm and the resolution of any grievances stemming from judicial situations through proper institutional and disciplinary channels.
Sowore responded to the development by criticizing the occurrence in a post on X, challenging the country’s justice system.
“How do you expect justice in a country where a judge orders a stalwart lawyer to kneel down…?” he said, adding that the lawyer stood firm during the interaction.
Inibehe Effiong, a human rights lawyer, also criticized the reported directive, saying, “Corporal punishment has no place in the temple of justice.” “It is better to be imprisoned as a lawyer than to be forced to kneel right in court.”
The NBA underlined its commitment to upholding the rule of law, professional standards, and judicial ethics, stating that it will work with relevant authorities as needed to ensure the legal system’s integrity.
