NBA Condemns Judicial Bullying, Demands Release Of Detained Lawyers

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has strongly condemned what it described as growing cases of judicial intimidation and abuse of contempt powers against lawyers, warning that such actions threaten the foundation of justice in Nigeria.

In a statement jointly signed by the NBA president, Afam Osigwe, and the general secretary, Mobolaji Ojibara posted on its official X handle on Thursday, the association expressed “utmost shock” over reports of judges allegedly bullying legal practitioners and unlawfully ordering their detention in courtrooms.

The NBA cited two recent incidents, including proceedings in Suit No. PHC/301/2016 before the High Court of Rivers State presided over by Justice Chinwendu Nwogu. According to the statement, the trial judge convicted and ordered the detention of defence counsel, Mrs. Lovinah Ugbana Benjamin, after delivering judgment in the case.

“His Lordship purported to have convicted the counsel for the Defendants… of contempt of court for allegedly making false statements and imputations against the Court in a written address she filed in the matter,” the NBA said.

The association also referenced a separate incident involving Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia of the Federal High Court, Abuja, who reportedly ordered the detention of a legal officer, Martin Anyanwu, in the court’s holding facility on March 25, 2026.

Beyond the two cases, the NBA decried what it described as a pattern of degrading treatment of lawyers in courtrooms, including instances where practitioners were allegedly asked to kneel or face the wall under threat of contempt.

“Such conduct undermines the dignity of the legal profession and erodes the mutual respect that must define the relationship between the Bench and the Bar,” the statement read.

The association warned that the use of contempt powers as a tool for intimidation reflects “an increasing intolerance and penchant for abusing judicial powers by some judges.”

According to the NBA, contempt of court must not be misapplied to punish lawyers for their style of advocacy or for presenting arguments that may not align with a judge’s views.

“It is not a contempt of court to criticize the conduct of a Judge or the conduct of a court, even if such criticism is strongly worded, provided that the criticism is fair, temperate, and made in good faith,” the statement noted.

The body further argued that the actions of the judges in the cited cases were “exceedingly high-handed” and contrary to the principles guiding the administration of justice.

“A lawyer has a constitutional right of audience in court and should neither be intimidated nor detained for carrying out this duty,” it added.

Citing retired Supreme Court Justice Chukwudifu Oputa, the NBA reiterated, “The test whether or not a judge takes himself too seriously or thinks too much of himself is in his attitude towards contempt of his court.”

The association stressed that the administration of justice depends on a balanced relationship between the Bench and the Bar, warning that intimidation of lawyers could turn courtrooms into “a theatre of fear” rather than a forum for justice.

While acknowledging that courts possess inherent powers to maintain order, the NBA insisted that such powers must be exercised within the bounds of due process. It recommended that cases of alleged professional misconduct by lawyers be referred to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee instead of imposing summary punishment.

“The contempt jurisdiction exists to protect the court, not to silence counsel or penalise advocacy undertaken in the discharge of professional duty,” the statement said.

The NBA, led by its President Osigwe, demanded the immediate release of the affected lawyers and called for investigations into the incidents by relevant authorities, including the Chief Judge of Rivers State and the National Judicial Council.

It also threatened to direct a boycott of proceedings before Justice Nwogu’s court for seven days if Mrs. Benjamin is not released within 24 hours.

“The courtroom must remain a forum of law, not intimidation; of reason, not fear,” the NBA stated, urging restraint and adherence to the rule of law in the exercise of judicial authority.