The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has expressed concern over a reported courtroom incident involving Justice Mohammed Umar, in which a lawyer was allegedly ordered to kneel, describing the directive as incompatible with the dignity of the legal profession and established judicial standards.
According to a report by Channels Television, the incident occurred during proceedings in a case involving activist Omoyele Sowore, who is being prosecuted by the Department of State Services over alleged cyber-related offences. The presiding judge reportedly warned the defence counsel over his tone during submissions and at one point instructed him to “come out and kneel down” in open court. Other lawyers in attendance intervened, pleading for leniency, after which the judge adjourned the matter.
In a statement issued on Monday, NBA President Afam Osigwe expressed concern that Marshall Abubakar, lead defence counsel for Sowore, was reportedly directed to kneel during proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja. The association noted that the order allegedly followed an exchange in which the lawyer raised his voice while addressing the judge regarding the suitability of a hearing date, prompting threats of committal for contempt.
“The courtroom is a temple of justice, governed by law, procedure, and decorum,” the NBA statement read, stressing that judicial authority must always be exercised within established legal limits. While acknowledging that judges are empowered to maintain order, the association emphasised that such powers are not absolute.
“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 NBA said. It added that while contempt powers exist, they are governed by clearly defined procedures designed to ensure fairness, objectivity, and respect for the rights and dignity of all parties.
The association also reminded lawyers of their professional obligations, urging them to maintain restraint and decorum in court. “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,” the NBA stated.
It further highlighted that the relationship between the Bar and the Bench is central to the administration of justice and must be guided by mutual respect. The NBA called for calm and emphasised that any grievances arising from courtroom incidents should be addressed through appropriate institutional and disciplinary mechanisms.
Reacting to the report, Sowore criticised the incident in a post on X, questioning the state of justice in the country. “How do you expect justice in a country where a judge orders a solid lawyer to kneel down…?” he wrote, adding that the lawyer stood his ground during the exchange.
Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong also described the directive as unacceptable, stating, “Corporal punishment has no place in the temple of justice. It is better to be imprisoned as a lawyer than to be compelled to kneel right in the courtroom.”
The NBA reiterated its commitment to upholding the rule of law, professional standards, and judicial ethics, noting that it would engage relevant authorities where necessary to ensure the integrity of the legal system is preserved.
