The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has strongly condemned a Federal High Court judge in Abuja for reportedly ordering a lawyer representing activist Omoyele Sowore to kneel in open court, describing the directive as unlawful and incompatible with judicial standards.
The incident occurred during proceedings in Sowore's ongoing prosecution by the Department of State Services (DSS) over alleged cyber-related offences. Justice Mohammed Umar, presiding over the case, became upset when lead defence counsel Marshall Abubakar raised his voice while arguing about the suitability of a proposed hearing date. The judge warned the lawyer against contempt and reportedly ordered him to "come out and kneel down" in the courtroom.
Other lawyers present intervened, pleading for leniency on behalf of their colleague. The judge then adjourned the matter and rose for the day, without the order being carried out.
In a statement, NBA President Afam Osigwe described the courtroom as a "temple of justice, governed by law, procedure, and decorum." He emphasized that judicial authority must remain within legal limits and that ordering any person especially a legal practitioner to kneel is not a recognized judicial sanction under Nigerian law.
"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 NBA stated. The association added that any perceived contempt must be addressed through proper legal procedures, not arbitrary directives.
The NBA also urged lawyers to advocate zealously but courteously, maintaining decorum even amid strong disagreements, while stressing the need for mutual respect between the Bench and the Bar to uphold justice.
Sowore reacted sharply on social media, questioning the prospects for justice in a system where a judge would issue such an order, and praising his lawyer for standing firm. Prominent human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong echoed the outrage, declaring that "corporal punishment has no place in the temple of justice" and that it would be preferable for a lawyer to face imprisonment than submit to such humiliation.
The case reflects ongoing tensions in Sowore's legal battle, which stems from his online posts allegedly involving false claims against President Bola Tinubu.
The NBA called for calm and reiterated its commitment to the rule of law, while indicating readiness to engage relevant authorities if needed to protect professional dignity and due process.
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