NBA Slams Abuja Judge for Ordering Sowore’s Lawyer to Kneel in Open Court

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has condemned the action of Honourable Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court, Abuja, who directed lead defence counsel Mr Marshall Abubakar to step out of the Bar and kneel down during proceedings involving activist and former presidential candidate Mr Omoyele Sowore.

NaijaChoice News reports that the incident occurred on Monday, March 16, 2026, while Mr Abubakar was addressing the court on the suitability of a hearing date in a case bordering on alleged cyber offence. The matter stems from a Facebook post Sowore made in June 2025, in which he described President Bola Tinubu as a “criminal,” prompting charges filed by the Department of State Services (DSS).

Reports indicate the judge became infuriated by the lawyer’s raised voice and warned: “If you shout in this court again, I will commit you for contempt. In fact, come here! Come and kneel down here!” pointing to a spot in front of the courtroom. Other senior lawyers, including a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, reportedly intervened to plead for calm.

In a strongly worded statement released Tuesday and signed by its President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, the NBA described the directive as a serious breach that strikes at the dignity of the legal profession and the sanctity of the courtroom.

“The courtroom is a temple of justice, governed by law, procedure, and decorum,” the statement read. “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 stressed that the power to punish for contempt is recognised but must follow defined legal procedures to guarantee fairness and respect for the rights of all parties.

“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 association declared.

The statement further reminded legal practitioners of their duty to show restraint and professionalism, even while advocating fearlessly for clients.

“The legal profession thrives on a delicate but essential balance, one rooted in mutual respect between the Bar and the Bench. This relationship is fundamental to the administration of justice and must be jealously guarded,” it added.

The NBA called for calm on all sides and urged that any grievances from the incident be handled through proper institutional and disciplinary channels. It vowed to engage relevant authorities to protect the rule of law, professional standards, and judicial ethics.

The development has triggered widespread outrage within Nigeria’s legal community, with many lawyers describing the order as judicial overreach and inconsistent with established court decorum. Sowore himself publicly criticised the judge’s conduct, questioning how justice can be served in such circumstances.

As the matter continues to generate debate, stakeholders are watching closely to see how the judiciary and the NBA will address the delicate balance between courtroom discipline and respect for the Bar.