The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has criticised Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court in Abuja for ordering lawyer Marshall Abubakar, lead defence counsel for human rights activist Omoyele Sowore, to kneel in court.
The incident occurred when Abubakar raised his voice while contesting the court’s chosen date for the defence to open its case. Justice Umar instructed the lawyer to step out of the bar area and kneel, prompting condemnation from the NBA.
NBA President Afam Osigwe stated that no judge has the authority to order a legal practitioner to kneel in court. “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,” he said.
Osigwe emphasized the need for the dignity of the court to be maintained both in outcome and process. He noted that lawyers must advocate firmly and fearlessly for their clients, but always within bounds of courtesy and decorum. Disagreements with the court, he added, must be expressed through proper legal channels.
“The legal profession thrives on a delicate but essential balance rooted in mutual respect between the Bar and the Bench. This relationship is fundamental to the administration of justice and must be jealously guarded,” Osigwe concluded.
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