The Nigerian Bar Association has condemned a federal high court judge for allegedly directing a lawyer to kneel in open court, declaring that no judicial officer possesses such authority under Nigerian law.
The association reacted swiftly on Tuesday to reports of an incident on Monday at the Federal High Court in Abuja involving Justice Mohammed Umar and defence counsel Marshall Abubakar, who was representing activist Omoyele Sowore.
According to the NBA, the judge ordered Abubakar to step out of the Bar and kneel after the lawyer raised his voice while arguing over a suitable hearing date, and also threatened him with committal for contempt.
“No judge has the power to order a lawyer to kneel in court,” the NBA stated, stressing that the courtroom is “a temple of justice, governed by law, procedure, and decorum.”
The association acknowledged a judge’s right to maintain order but insisted that any sanction for contempt must follow strict legal procedures to guarantee fairness and respect for dignity.
“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,” it said.
The statement, signed by NBA President Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, called on both the Bar and the Bench to uphold mutual respect and warned that any grievances should be addressed through proper institutional channels.
It also reminded lawyers of their duty to conduct themselves with professionalism, even when advocating vigorously for clients.
The NBA pledged to engage relevant authorities to safeguard the rule of law and judicial ethics.
