NBA Protests Alleged Order Compelling Sowore’s Lawyer To Kneel

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has condemned an alleged courtroom incident in which Justice Mohammed Umar ordered a lawyer to kneel in court.

The NBA described this act as inconsistent with judicial standards and the dignity of the legal profession.

According to a report by Channels Television, the incident occurred during proceedings in a case involving activist Omoyele Sowore, who is being prosecuted by the Department of State Services (DSS) over alleged cyber-related offences.

The report indicated that the presiding judge cautioned defence counsel over his tone while making submissions and, at a point, directed him to “come out and kneel down” in open court. Other lawyers present were said to have intervened, pleading for leniency, after which the judge adjourned the matter and rose for the day.

In a statement issued Monday, NBA president Afam Osigwe, expressed concern over reports that the directive was given to Marshall Abubakar, who appeared as lead counsel for Sowore at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The association said the order reportedly followed a courtroom exchange in which the lawyer raised his voice while addressing the court over the suitability of a hearing date, prompting threats of committal for contempt. It noted that the development raises serious concerns about courtroom conduct and adherence to due process.

“The courtroom is a temple of justice, governed by law, procedure, and decorum,” the statement read, stressing that judicial authority must always be exercised within established legal limits.

While acknowledging that judges have the power to maintain order and discipline, the NBA emphasised that such authority is not absolute.

“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 association stated.

It further explained that although the power to punish for contempt is well recognised, it is governed by clearly defined procedures designed to ensure fairness, objectivity, and respect for the rights and dignity of all parties.

“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,” the NBA added.

The association also reminded lawyers of their professional obligations, urging them to maintain restraint and decorum in court at all times.

“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. Disagreements with the court, no matter how strongly felt, must be expressed through proper legal channels,” it said.

The NBA stressed that the relationship between the Bar and the Bench remains central to the administration of justice and must be guided by mutual respect. It called for calm and urged that grievances arising from courtroom incidents be addressed through appropriate institutional and disciplinary mechanisms.

Reacting to the development, Sowore criticised the reported incident in a post on X, questioning the state of justice in the country.

“How do you expect justice in a country where a judge orders a solid lawyer to kneel down…?” he wrote, adding that the lawyer stood his ground during the exchange.

Also commenting, human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong described the directive as unacceptable. “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,” he said.

The NBA reiterated its commitment to upholding the rule of law, professional standards and judicial ethics, noting that it would engage relevant authorities where necessary to safeguard the integrity of the legal system.