The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), has issued a strong rebuke of an alleged courtroom incident involving Justice Mohammed Umar, condemning reports that a lawyer was ordered to kneel as a breach of judicial standards and an affront to the dignity of the legal profession.
The incident has sparked widespread concern across Nigeria’s legal community, intensifying scrutiny of judicial conduct, adherence to due process, and the need to uphold professionalism and decorum within the courtroom.
Background of the Incident
According to a report by Channels Television, the incident occurred during proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja in a case involving Omoyele Sowore. Sowore is being prosecuted by the Department of State Services over alleged cyber-related offences.
During the hearing, an exchange reportedly took place between the presiding judge and Sowore’s lead defence counsel, Marshall Abubakar. The disagreement arose over the suitability of a hearing date, during which the lawyer allegedly raised his voice while making submissions.
In response, Justice Umar reportedly warned the lawyer about his tone and, at a point, ordered him to “come out and kneel down” in open court, while also threatening committal for contempt. Other lawyers present intervened, pleading for leniency. The judge subsequently adjourned the matter and rose for the day.
NBA’s Official Reaction
In a statement issued by its President, Afam Osigwe, the NBA expressed deep concern over the reported incident, describing it as troubling and incompatible with established legal norms.
“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.
The association emphasized that:
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Ordering a lawyer or any individual to kneel is not a recognised judicial sanction under Nigerian law
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Such a directive does not align with the standards of conduct expected on the Bench
Legal and Ethical Implications
a. Limits of Judicial Authority
While acknowledging that judges have the power to maintain order and discipline in court, the NBA stressed that such powers are not absolute.
The association noted that the power to punish for contempt is well established but must follow clearly defined legal procedures designed to ensure:
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Fairness
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Objectivity
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Respect for human dignity
“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 stated.
b. Protection of Human Dignity
The directive for a lawyer to kneel has been widely criticized as degrading and incompatible with the dignity of the legal profession and the justice system.
Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong strongly condemned the reported action, stating:
“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.”
c. Professional Conduct and Responsibility
The NBA also used the opportunity to remind lawyers of their obligations in court. While lawyers are entitled—and indeed obligated—to advocate firmly and fearlessly for their clients, such advocacy must remain within the bounds of courtesy and decorum.
The association emphasized that disagreements with the court, no matter how strongly felt, should always be expressed through proper legal channels.
Reactions from Sowore and Public Discourse
Reacting to the incident, Sowore criticised the development in a post on X (formerly Twitter), questioning the state of justice in Nigeria.
He wrote:
“How do you expect justice in a country where a judge orders a solid lawyer to kneel down…?”
He also noted that his lawyer stood his ground during the exchange.
The incident has since sparked broader public debate about:
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Judicial overreach
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Respect for legal practitioners
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The balance of authority between the Bench and the Bar
Implications for the Justice System
a. Bar–Bench Relationship
The NBA stressed that the relationship between the Bar and the Bench is fundamental to the administration of justice and must be guided by mutual respect. Incidents of this nature risk undermining that relationship.
b. Rule of Law and Institutional Integrity
The association reiterated that courtroom proceedings must reflect:
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Adherence to due process
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Respect for rights
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Commitment to ethical standards
Any deviation, it warned, could erode public confidence in the judiciary.
c. Call for Institutional Resolution
The NBA called for calm and urged that grievances arising from courtroom incidents be addressed through appropriate institutional and disciplinary mechanisms. It also reiterated its commitment to upholding:
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The rule of law
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Professional standards
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Judicial ethics
The association indicated it would engage relevant authorities where necessary to ensure that the integrity of the legal system is preserved.
Conclusion
The reported incident involving Justice Mohammed Umar and Sowore’s lawyer has highlighted critical issues surrounding judicial conduct and professional dignity in Nigeria’s legal system.
The NBA’s strong condemnation underscores a central principle: while courts must maintain order, such authority must always be exercised within the bounds of the law and with respect for human dignity.
Ultimately, the situation serves as a reminder that the effectiveness and credibility of the justice system depend on discipline, due process, and mutual respect between all actors in the courtroom.
