Nigerian Bar Association Condemns FCT Judge For Ordering Lawyer To Kneel In Court, Says Action Not Recognised By Law

According to the NBA, the judge’s directive followed a disagreement over a hearing date during which the lawyer allegedly raised his voice while addressing the court.

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has strongly criticised an incident at the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Monday, where a judge reportedly ordered a lawyer to kneel during proceedings, describing such action as unlawful and inconsistent with judicial standards.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, NBA President, Afam Osigwe (SAN), expressed concern over reports involving Justice Mohammed Umar, who directed a legal practitioner, Marshall Abubakar, to kneel in court. 

Abubakar was appearing as lead defence counsel to activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, when the incident reportedly occurred on Monday.

According to the NBA, the judge’s directive followed a disagreement over a hearing date during which the lawyer allegedly raised his voice while addressing the court.

Osigwe said the association views the development “with utmost seriousness,” citing its implications for the dignity of the legal profession and the integrity of the judiciary.

“The courtroom is a temple of justice, governed by law, procedure, and decorum,” he said. “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.”

The NBA president emphasised that although courts possess the power to punish for contempt, such powers are limited by due process and cannot be exercised arbitrarily.

“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,” he stated.

Osigwe stressed that ordering a lawyer or any individual to kneel in court is not a recognised judicial sanction under Nigerian law.

“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,” he said.

He added that the dignity of the court must be reflected not only in its decisions but also in how judicial authority is exercised.

“The dignity of the court must be preserved not only in outcome but also in process,” Osigwe said. “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.”

At the same time, the NBA cautioned legal practitioners against misconduct in court, noting that lawyers have a duty to maintain professionalism and respect for judicial authority.

“We reiterate that legal practitioners bear a corresponding duty to conduct themselves with restraint, professionalism, and respect for the court at all times,” Osigwe said.

According to him, “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.”

The association highlighted the importance of maintaining a balanced relationship between the Bar and the Bench, describing it as essential to the administration of justice.

“The legal profession thrives on a delicate but essential balance, one rooted in mutual respect between the Bar and the Bench,” Osigwe noted.

The NBA called for calm among stakeholders and urged that disputes arising from courtroom incidents be handled through established institutional and disciplinary channels.

“The NBA calls for calm and restraint on all sides and urges that any grievances arising from courtroom incidents be addressed through appropriate institutional and disciplinary mechanisms,” the statement added.

Osigwe further assured that the association would engage relevant authorities where necessary to ensure that the rule of law and judicial ethics are upheld.