An alleged courtroom incident involving Justice Mohammed Umar has been denounced by the Nigerian Bar Association, which calls the reported order for a lawyer to kneel inconsistent with judicial standards and the dignity of the legal profession.
A report by Channels Television states that the incident occurred during proceedings in a case involving Sowore, who is being prosecuted by the Department of State Services over alleged cyber-related offences.
According to the report, the presiding judge warned the defence counsel over his tone while making submissions and at a point ordered him 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.
In a statement issued on Monday, the President of the Nigeria Bar Association, Afam Osigwe, expressed concern over reports that the judge ordered Marshall Abubakar, who appeared as lead defence counsel to activist Omoyele Sowore, to kneel during proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The Association noted that the directive reportedly followed a courtroom exchange in which the lawyer raised his voice while addressing the judge over the suitability of a hearing date, prompting threats of committal for contempt.
The association stated that the development raises serious concerns about courtroom conduct and adherence to due process.
“The courtroom is a temple of justice, governed by law, procedure, and decorum,” the statement read, stressing that judicial authority must always be exercised within established legal limits.
While acknowledging that judges have the authority to maintain order and discipline, the NBA stressed 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 association stated.
The body added that although the power to punish for contempt is widely recognised, it is governed by clearly defined procedures aimed at ensuring fairness, objectivity, and respect for the rights and dignity of all parties.
“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 added.
It also reminded legal practitioners of their professional obligations, urging them to exercise restraint and maintain decorum in 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,” it said.
The NBA stressed that the relationship between the Bar and the Bench is vital to the administration of justice and must be anchored on mutual respect. It called for calm and urged that any grievances arising from courtroom incidents be addressed through appropriate institutional and disciplinary channels.
Reacting to the development, 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.
Also commenting, human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong described the reported directive as unacceptable, stating that, “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 reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the rule of law, professional standards, and judicial ethics, adding that it would engage relevant authorities where necessary to ensure that the integrity of the legal system is preserved.
