Interior of an empty courtroom with gavel, law books and sounding block on the desk.
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has berated a Federal High Court judge, Justice Mohammed Umar, for allegedly ordering a lawyer representing human rights activist Omoyele Sowore to kneel during proceedings in Abuja.
The incident was said to have occurred on Monday during proceedings in a case involving Sowore, who is being prosecuted by the Department of State Services (DSS) over alleged cyber-related offences.
The judge warned the defence counsel, Marshall Abubakar, over his tone while making submissions and at one point ordered the lawyer to “come out and kneel down” in open court.
Other lawyers present reportedly intervened, pleading for leniency, after which the judge adjourned the matter and rose for the day.
Reacting via a statement issued on Tuesday by its President, Afam Osigwe, the NBA described the action as inconsistent with established judicial practice and a potential affront to the dignity of the legal profession.
The association maintained that while judges have the authority to control proceedings and sanction misconduct, such powers must be exercised in accordance with laid-down legal procedures.
It stressed that compelling a lawyer to kneel is not a recognised disciplinary measure under Nigerian law.
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The NBA stated: “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 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.”
The NBA also urged legal practitioners to uphold professionalism and decorum in court, emphasising that disagreements with the bench should be expressed respectfully and within the confines of the law.
Reaffirming the importance of mutual respect between the Bar and the Bench, the association called for restraint and urged that any disputes arising from courtroom conduct be addressed through appropriate institutional mechanisms.
The NBA added that the association remains committed to engaging relevant authorities to ensure adherence to judicial ethics, the rule of law, and the protection of professional standards.
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