NBA speaks on Judge’s order for Lawyer to kneel in Court

 

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has criticised Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court in Abuja for instructing a lawyer, Marshall Abubakar, to kneel during proceedings.

Abubakar, who serves as lead defence counsel to Sowore, upset the judge when he spoke loudly while arguing that the date fixed for the defence to begin its case was inconvenient. In response, Justice Umar directed him to step out of the bar area and kneel.

Reacting to the incident, NBA President Afam Osigwe stated that no judge has the authority to compel a lawyer to kneel in court.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Osigwe said such an order is not recognised as a lawful judicial sanction and falls short of the standards expected of judicial conduct.

He emphasised that maintaining the dignity of the court involves not only decisions but also the manner in which authority is exercised. According to him, if a judge believes someone has acted contemptuously, proper legal procedures must be followed in addressing such behaviour.

Osigwe further noted that while lawyers are expected to act with professionalism, restraint, and respect, they also have a duty to represent their clients firmly and without fear—provided they remain within the bounds of courtesy and decorum.

He added that disagreements with the court, no matter how strong, should be expressed through appropriate legal means and not in ways that disrupt proceedings or undermine judicial authority.

The NBA president concluded by stressing that the legal profession depends on a careful balance built on mutual respect between lawyers and judges, a relationship that is vital to the proper administration of justice and must be protected.