NBA condemns judge for ordering Sowore’s lawyer to kneel in court

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has strongly condemned an alleged courtroom incident in which Justice Mohammed Umar reportedly ordered a lawyer to kneel during proceedings, describing the act as inconsistent with judicial standards and the dignity of the legal profession.

The incident occurred in a case involving activist Omoyele Sowore, who is being prosecuted by the Department of State Services (DSS) over alleged cyber-related offences.

The presiding judge, upset over the lawyer’s tone during submissions, instructed lead defence counsel, Barrister Marshal Abubakar, to “come out and kneel down” in open court. Other lawyers present reportedly intervened, urging leniency, after which the judge adjourned the matter and left the courtroom.

NBA President Afam Osigwe said in a statement on Monday that the reported directive raises serious concerns about courtroom conduct and adherence to due process.

“The courtroom is a temple of justice, governed by law, procedure, and decorum. Judicial authority must always be exercised within established legal limits,” the NBA statement read. It emphasised that while judges have powers to maintain order, “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 NBA stressed that powers to punish for contempt are strictly regulated to ensure fairness, objectivity, and respect for the rights and dignity of all parties. It also reminded lawyers to maintain restraint and decorum while advocating on behalf of clients.

Reacting to the incident on Facebook, Sowore criticised the judge’s action, questioning the state of justice in Nigeria. He wrote: “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? I am glad Barrister Marshal D. F. Abubakar stood his ground. He did not flinch. It was the judge, Justice Mohammed G Umar, who had to adjourn and leave the courtroom. End of case! And you will never hear the Nigeria Bar Association do anything about this; they are only concerned about the tinted glass permit. Nigeria is finished!”

Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong also condemned the directive, saying, “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 reiterated its commitment to upholding the rule of law, professional standards, and judicial ethics, noting it would engage relevant authorities if necessary to preserve the integrity of Nigeria’s legal system.