NBA reprimands judge for ordering Sowore’s lawyer to kneel in Abuja…

Interior of an empty courtroom with gavel, law books and sound pad on desk.
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has reprimanded a Federal High Court judge, Justice Mohammed Umar, for allegedly ordering a lawyer representing human rights activist Omoyele Sowore to kneel during proceedings in Abuja.

The incident is said to have occurred on Monday during proceedings in a case involving Sowore, who is being prosecuted by the Department of State Services (DSS) for alleged cyber crimes.

The judge warned the defense lawyer, Marshall Abubakar, about his tone while making his submissions and at one point ordered the lawyer to “come out and kneel” in open court.

Other lawyers present reportedly intervened, asking for leniency, after which the judge adjourned the matter and rose later in the day.

Reacting through a statement released on Tuesday by its President, Afam Osigwe, the NBA described the action as inconsistent with established judicial practice and a potential affront to the dignity of the legal profession.

The association argues that, although judges have the power to monitor proceedings and sanction wrongdoing, these powers must be exercised in accordance with established legal procedures.

He stressed that forcing a lawyer to kneel is not a disciplinary measure recognized under Nigerian law.

The NBA said: “A judge ordering a legal professional or any person to kneel in court is not a recognized judicial sanction under our laws and is not in line with the standards of judicial conduct expected in court.

“The dignity of the court must be preserved not only in the outcome but also in the process, and this includes the manner in which judicial authority is exercised.

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“If a judge believes that a person has acted contemptuously of the court, he or she must follow the accepted way of conducting proceedings on such charges.”

The NBA also urged legal practitioners to uphold professionalism and decorum in court, stressing that disagreements with judges should be expressed respectfully and within the bounds of the law.

Reaffirming the importance of mutual respect between the Bar Association and the Bar, the association called for moderation and urged that any disputes arising from conduct in the courtroom be addressed through appropriate institutional mechanisms.

The NBA added that the association remains committed to engaging relevant authorities to ensure compliance with judicial ethics, the rule of law and the protection of professional standards.

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