The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Tuesday expressed dismay over reports of an incident that occurred on Monday March 16, 2026, at the Federal High Court, Abuja, involving Honourable Justice Mohammed Umar and a legal practitioner, Mr. Marshall Abubakar, who appeared as lead defence counsel to Mr. Omoyele Sowore.
Orange had reported that the learned trial judge, in response to counsel raising his voice while addressing the court on the suitability of a hearing date, directed the lawyer to step out of the Bar and kneel down, alongside issuing threats of committal for contempt.
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However, while reacting in a statement made available to Blueprint.ng in Abuja, NBA president, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN said the association views the development with utmost seriousness, given its implications for the dignity of the legal profession and the sanctity of the courtroom.
Osigwe stated further: “The courtroom is a temple of justice, governed by law, procedure, and decorum.
“While judges are vested with the authority to maintain order and discipline in their courts, such authority must be exercised strictly within the bounds of the law and established judicial standards.
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“The power to punish for contempt is well recognised; however, it is circumscribed by defined legal procedures designed to ensure fairness, objectivity, and respect for the rights and dignity of all persons appearing before the court.
“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. 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.
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“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.
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