The Nigerian Bar Association has issued a formal rebuke of a Federal High Court judge who ordered a defence lawyer to kneel before him during proceedings in the ongoing trial of human rights activist Omoyele Sowore — an incident the NBA described as contrary to law and beneath the standards expected of the bench.
In a statement signed by NBA President Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, the association said it viewed the incident — which occurred on Monday, March 16, 2026 — “with utmost seriousness, given its implications for the dignity of the legal profession and the sanctity of the courtroom.”
Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court, Abuja, reportedly directed lead defence counsel Marshal Abubakar to step out of the bar and kneel down after the lawyer raised his voice while arguing over the suitability of a hearing date. The judge also issued threats of committal for contempt.
The NBA was unequivocal: ordering a legal practitioner to kneel is not a recognised judicial sanction under Nigerian law. “A judge directing a legal practitioner or indeed any person whatsoever to kneel in court does not align with the standards of judicial conduct expected on the bench,” the statement read. While acknowledging that judges hold the authority to maintain order in their courts, the association stressed that such authority must be exercised strictly within legal bounds and established procedures — particularly where contempt allegations are concerned.
The body also reminded lawyers of their corresponding obligation to conduct themselves with restraint and professionalism at all times, noting that disagreements with the court, “no matter how strongly felt, must be expressed through proper legal channels.”
Abubakar, for his part, stood his ground. He refused to kneel, reportedly telling the judge in measured but firm terms that no such punishment existed in Nigerian law. Several lawyers in the courtroom rose to appeal for calm. Justice Umar subsequently adjourned the proceedings and left the courtroom.
Sowore himself later weighed in on the episode with characteristic bluntness. “How do you expect justice in a country where a judge orders a solid lawyer to kneel down for insisting on cross-examining a fake witness presented by the DSS?” he wrote. “I am glad Barrister Marshal Abubakar stood his ground. He did not flinch. It was the judge who had to adjourn and leave the courtroom.”
The NBA said it would engage with relevant authorities where necessary to ensure that the rule of law, professional standards, and judicial ethics are upheld, and called for calm and restraint on all sides.
Sowore is being prosecuted by the Department of State Services on charges of cyberstalking and defamation, arising from social media posts in which he referred to President Bola Tinubu as a “criminal.” The case, which commenced in late 2025, has been adjourned to April 13, 2026.
