The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has criticised Mohammed Umar, a judge of the Federal High Court in Abuja, over his directive ordering a lawyer to kneel in court.
In a statement issued Tuesday, March 17, NBA President Afam Osigwe said the directive was not a recognised judicial sanction and fell short of acceptable standards expected of judicial officers.
Courtroom Incident
The development stems from proceedings in the trial of activist Omoyele Sowore, who is facing a two-count charge filed by the Department of State Services (DSS).
The charges arose from Sowore’s August 25 post on X, where he described President Bola Tinubu as a “criminal” while reacting to the president’s comments on corruption during a trip to Brazil.
At the resumed hearing on Monday, counsel to the DSS, Akinlolu Kehinde, closed the prosecution’s case after calling one witness.
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Defence counsel, Abubakar Marshal, informed the court of plans to file a no-case submission and requested an adjournment to July. The request was opposed by both the prosecution and the court.
Tension rose when Sowore, speaking from the witness box, explained that the proposed date might clash with his party’s primaries under the African Action Congress (AAC), while his lawyer also addressed the court on the same issue.
“This court belongs to all of us,” the lawyer said during the exchange.
Judge’s Reaction
The remark appeared to anger the trial judge, who warned the lawyer against raising his voice in court.
“If you shout in this court again, I will commit you for contempt. In fact, come here! Come and kneel down here,” the judge said, pointing to a spot in front of the courtroom.
The prosecuting counsel subsequently intervened, pleading with the court to temper justice with mercy. The matter was later adjourned to April 13.
NBA’s Position
Reacting to the incident, the NBA emphasised that while judges have the authority to maintain order in courtrooms, such powers must be exercised within clearly defined legal procedures.
“The courtroom is a temple of justice, governed by law, procedure, and decorum,” the statement read.
The association noted that although the power to punish for contempt is well established, it is guided by strict procedures to ensure fairness and respect for the dignity of all parties.
According to the NBA, directing a legal practitioner to kneel in court is not a recognised form of sanction under Nigerian law.
“The dignity of the court must be preserved not only in outcome but also in process,” the statement added, stressing that judicial authority must be exercised in line with established standards.
Call for Professional Conduct
The NBA also reminded lawyers of their duty to conduct themselves with restraint and professionalism.
It stated that while legal practitioners are expected to advocate firmly for their clients, such advocacy must remain within the bounds of courtesy and should not disrupt court proceedings.
“Disagreements with the court, no matter how strongly felt, must be expressed through proper legal channels,” the association said.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
