₦airaland Forum

The Nigerian Bar Association @NigBarAssoc is concerned about reports of an incident that occurred on Monday, 16 March 2026, at the Federal High Court, Abuja, involving Honourable Justice Mohammed Umar and a legal practitioner, Mr. Marshall Abubakar, who appeared as lead defence counsel to Mr. Omoyele Sowore. According to reports, the learned trial judge, in response to counsel raising his voice while addressing the court on the suitability of a hearing date, directed the lawyer to step out of the Bar and kneel down, alongside issuing threats of committal for contempt.

The NBA views this development with utmost seriousness, given 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 power to punish for contempt is well recognised; however, it is circumscribed by defined legal procedures designed to ensure fairness, objectivity, and respect for the rights and dignity of all persons appearing before the court.

A judex 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 dignity of the court must be preserved not only in outcome but also in process, and this includes the manner in which judicial authority is exercised. 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.

We reiterate that legal practitioners bear a corresponding duty to conduct themselves with restraint, professionalism, 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 and not in a manner that disrupts proceedings or undermines the authority of the court.

The legal profession thrives on a delicate but essential balance, one rooted in mutual respect between the Bar and the Bench. This relationship is fundamental to the administration of justice and must be jealously guarded.

The NBA calls for calm and restraint on all sides and urges that any grievances arising from courtroom incidents be addressed through appropriate institutional and disciplinary mechanisms. Where necessary, the Association will engage with relevant authorities to ensure that the rule of law, professional standards, and judicial ethics are upheld.

Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN
President, Nigerian Bar Association

helinues:
They should report to EFCC now. Abi can they prosecute themselves?

Judge and lawyer, who go settle am?

shortgun:
How did you connect EFCC to this?

helinues:
Okay who should settle the matter between a judge and a lawyer?

shortgun:
Is this what you think about EFCC?
We really have a long way to go in this country

helinues:
Express yourself independently and stop questioning my opinion or I will renew your blocking

shortgun:
Conversations with you lot is basically a steady brain drain.
Kindly block me permanently, I don't want to have any interaction with someone who thinks the function of the EFCC is to settle conflicts between judges and lawyers.

seunmsg:
Wait, so Sowore's lawyer was told to kneel down in court and he complied? And Sowore looked away and couldn't do anything?

Richtaiwo:
Tell him the appropriate anti-graft agency and avoid exaggerating a minor issue. Unless, of course, you are uncertain yourself. I suspect you may be considering the ICPC. Personally, I find this to be your type of posts, lacking clarity and coherence, rather unhelpful.

shortgun:
NO JUDGE HAS THE POWER TO ORDER A LAWYER TO KNEEL IN COURT



source

seunmsg:
Wait, so Sowore's lawyer was told to kneel down in court and he complied? And Sowore looked away and couldn't do anything?

IsraeliAIRFORCE:
The NBA is the arbiter here and they have just released a statement. How come he dragged EFCC into this when the appropriate body responsible for settling the misconception is already talking?