The Nigerian Bar Association has condemned a reported courtroom incident wherein a judge, Mohammed Umar, reportedly ordered a lawyer, Marshall Abubakar, representing activist Omoyele Sowore, to kneel during proceedings.
The incident reportedly occurred during a case involving activist Omoyele Sowore, who is currently being prosecuted by the Department of State Services over alleged cyber-related offences.
According to a report by Channels Television, tension arose in court when the presiding judge cautioned the defence counsel about his tone while making submissions.
During the exchange, the judge allegedly ordered the lawyer to step forward and kneel in the courtroom.
Lawyers present during the proceedings reportedly intervened and appealed to the judge for leniency. The court later adjourned the matter, after which the judge ended the session for the day.
In a statement issued on Monday, the NBA President Afam Osigwe said the association was concerned about reports that Marshall Abubakar, who appeared as lead counsel for Sowore, was asked to kneel at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The association noted that the order reportedly followed an exchange in which the lawyer raised his voice while addressing the court over the scheduling of a hearing date, prompting threats of contempt proceedings.
According to the NBA, the development raises serious questions about courtroom conduct and adherence to due process.
“The courtroom is a temple of justice governed by law, procedure and decorum,” the statement said, adding that judicial authority must always be exercised within the bounds of established legal standards.
While acknowledging that judges have the authority to maintain order in court, the NBA emphasised that such powers are not unlimited.
“A judge directing a legal practitioner or any person to kneel in court is not a recognised judicial sanction under Nigerian law and does not align with the standards of judicial conduct expected on the Bench,” the association stated.
The NBA also pointed out that although courts have the power to punish acts of contempt, the process is governed by clearly defined procedures designed to protect fairness, objectivity and respect for the rights and dignity of all parties.
“If a judge believes that a person has acted in contempt of court, the proper procedure must be followed in addressing such allegations,” the statement added.
The association also reminded lawyers of their professional responsibility to maintain discipline and respect in court, noting that while legal practitioners must advocate strongly for their clients, such advocacy should always be expressed with courtesy.
Commenting on the development, Sowore criticised the reported incident in a post on X, questioning the state of justice in the country.
Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong also described the alleged directive as unacceptable, arguing that corporal punishment has no place in judicial proceedings.
The NBA stressed that the relationship between the Bar and the Bench is central to the administration of justice and must be guided by mutual respect.
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