The Nigerian Bar Association has expressed strong disapproval over the handling of a courtroom incident by Justice Mohammed Umar, following an order directing a lawyer to kneel during proceedings.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the NBA President, Afam Osigwe, stressed the need for mutual respect between the Bench and the Bar, warning against actions that could undermine the integrity of the legal profession.
The controversy arose during proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja, where Justice Umar reportedly ordered Marshall Abubakar, counsel to activist Omoyele Sowore, to kneel in open court.
The incident occurred during the hearing of an alleged cyberbullying case filed against Sowore by the Department of State Services.
Justice Umar was said to have issued the directive after the defence counsel repeatedly raised his voice while addressing the court. The situation reportedly escalated before other lawyers intervened to calm tensions.
Reacting to the development, Osigwe stated that ordering a lawyer to kneel is not a recognised judicial sanction under Nigerian law and does not align with accepted standards of judicial conduct.
“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 said.
He emphasised that while courts must maintain authority and discipline, such authority must be exercised within established legal procedures.
According to him, where a judge believes a lawyer has acted in a contemptuous manner, due process must be followed in addressing the issue.
The NBA president also urged legal practitioners to conduct themselves with professionalism, restraint, and respect for the court at all times.
He noted that disagreements with the court, no matter how strong, should be expressed through proper legal channels rather than actions that may disrupt proceedings.
Osigwe stressed that the relationship between the Bench and the Bar is fundamental to the administration of justice and must be carefully preserved through mutual respect and adherence to ethical standards.
