The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has strongly condemned what it calls a troubling pattern of judicial overreach and intimidation against legal practitioners, demanding the immediate release of lawyers reportedly detained by judges in Rivers State and Abuja.
In a statement issued by NBA President Mazi Afam Osigwe, the association expressed “utmost shock” at the incidents, describing them as high-handed abuses of contempt powers that undermine the dignity of the legal profession and the delicate balance between the Bench and the Bar.
The first case involves proceedings in Suit No. PHC/301/2016, Mr. Bodiseowei Zidougha v. The Chief of Naval Staff & 2 Ors, before the High Court of Rivers State presided over by Hon. Justice Chinwendu Nwogu. According to the NBA, after delivering judgment, the judge convicted and ordered the detention of defence counsel Mrs. Lovinah Ugbana Benjamin for alleged contempt.
She was accused of making false statements and imputations against the court in a written address filed on behalf of the defendants (the Chief of Naval Staff and the Nigerian Navy).
In a separate incident on March 25, Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia of the Federal High Court, Abuja, reportedly ordered the detention of legal officer Martin Anyanwu in the court’s holding facility.
The NBA described both actions as excessive and unlawful, arguing that contempt powers should protect the administration of justice, not serve as tools for personal affront or to punish legitimate advocacy.
“The courtroom must remain a forum of law, not intimidation; of reason, not fear. The authority of the court is best preserved through fairness, restraint, and fidelity to the rule of law,” Osigwe stated.
The association raised broader concerns about reports of lawyers facing degrading treatment in courtrooms, such as being ordered to kneel or stand facing walls under threat of contempt.
It emphasized that good-faith criticism of judicial conduct, when expressed in temperate language, does not constitute contempt. Instead, alleged professional misconduct should be referred to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) rather than handled through summary detention.
The NBA warned that such incidents appear driven by personal displeasure rather than any genuine threat to justice, and it urged the National Judicial Council (NJC) to promptly investigate the matters and impose disciplinary action where warranted.
As immediate demands, the association called for the unconditional release of the affected lawyers. It further directed the NBA Human Rights Institute to monitor the situation, engage relevant authorities, and take all necessary steps to safeguard the rights of the detained counsel.
In the Rivers State case, the NBA indicated it may call for a seven-day boycott of proceedings before Justice Nwogu’s court if Mrs. Benjamin is not released within 24 hours.Reaffirming its commitment to the rule of law, the NBA stressed the importance of mutual respect between judges and lawyers.
“The administration of justice rests on a delicate but enduring partnership between the Bench and the Bar, one built not on fear but on mutual respect, restraint, and a shared commitment to the rule of law,” the statement concluded.
Advertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users
No comments
Post a Comment
Kindly drop a comment below.
(Comments are moderated. Clean comments will be approved immediately)
Advert Enquires - Reach out to us at NigerianEye@gmail.com