The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has condemned the conduct of a Federal High Court judge in Abuja following an incident involving human rights activist Omoyele Sowore and his legal team.
The incident occurred on Monday, March 18, 2024, during proceedings before Justice Mohammed Umar. According to reports, the controversy stemmed from a dispute over hearing dates between the judge and Sowore’s lead counsel, Marshall Abubakar. Justice Umar reportedly ordered Abubakar to leave the bar area and kneel while addressing the court after the lawyer raised his voice during submissions. The judge is also alleged to have threatened the lawyer with contempt of court proceedings.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the NBA described the judge’s actions as “inappropriate” and “contrary to the standards of judicial conduct expected on the Bench.” The association asserted that no existing law empowers a judge to direct a legal practitioner or any individual to kneel within the courtroom. While acknowledging the inherent authority of judges to maintain order and decorum, the NBA emphasized that such powers must be exercised strictly within legal and constitutional boundaries.
The body further stated that any contempt proceedings must adhere strictly to due process to safeguard the fundamental rights of all parties and ensure fairness. The NBA also issued a reminder to lawyers of their professional duty to conduct themselves with firmness yet respect in court. It urged all involved parties to remain calm and channel any grievances through established institutional mechanisms rather than through confrontational incidents.
“The sanctity of the court and the dignity of the legal profession must always be upheld,” the NBA’s statement concluded.
The episode has raised questions about courtroom etiquette and the limits of judicial authority in Nigeria. The NBA’s rebuke highlights the profession’s expectation of mutual respect between the bench and the bar, even during heated exchanges. Observers note that the method of discipline—ordering a lawyer to kneel—is highly unusual and conflicts with principles of professional dignity. The association’s call for resolution through proper channels suggests the matter may be referred to the National Judicial Council or other relevant bodies for review. The incident underscores ongoing debates about balancing judicial control with the rights of legal practitioners in Nigeria’s justice system.
