The Nigerian Bar Association has condemned an alleged courtroom incident involving Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court in Abuja, describing the reported directive for a lawyer to kneel as inconsistent with judicial standards and the dignity of the legal profession .
The incident occurred on Monday, March 16, 2026, during proceedings in the ongoing trial of activist Omoyele Sowore, who is being prosecuted by the Department of State Services (DSS) over alleged cyber-related offences .
According to reports, Justice Umar ordered Marshall Abubakar, who appeared as lead defence counsel to Sowore, to “come out and kneel down” in open court after the lawyer raised his voice while addressing the court over the suitability of a hearing date . The judge also reportedly threatened committal proceedings for contempt .
Other lawyers present reportedly intervened, pleading for leniency, after which the judge adjourned the matter to April 13, 2026, and rose for the day .
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the NBA President, Afam Osigwe (SAN), said the association views the development with “utmost seriousness,” noting 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,” the statement read .
The NBA emphasised that directing a legal practitioner or any person to kneel in court is not a recognised judicial sanction under Nigerian law .
“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,” the association stated .
The NBA acknowledged that judges possess powers to punish for contempt but stressed that such powers are guided by clearly defined legal 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 legal procedure for addressing such allegations,” the NBA added .
The association also reminded legal practitioners of their duty to conduct themselves with professionalism, restraint, 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. Disagreements with the court, no matter how strongly felt, must be expressed through proper legal channels,” the NBA said .
The NBA stressed that the relationship between the Bar and the Bench is fundamental to the administration of justice and must be guided by mutual respect .
Reacting to the development, Sowore criticised the incident in a post on X, questioning the state of justice in the country .
“HOW DO YOU EXPECT JUSTICE IN A COUNTRY WHERE A JUDGE ORDERS A SOLID LAWYER TO KNEEL DOWN…?” he wrote, adding that his lawyer stood his ground during the exchange .
Also commenting, human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong described the reported directive as unacceptable, saying, “Corporal punishment has no place in the temple of justice. It is better to be imprisoned as a lawyer than to be compelled to kneel right in the courtroom” .
The NBA called for calm and restraint on all sides and urged that any grievances arising from courtroom incidents be addressed through appropriate institutional and disciplinary mechanisms . The association added that where necessary, it would engage relevant authorities to ensure that the rule of law, professional standards, and judicial ethics are upheld .
