The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has condemned reports of an incident at the Federal High Court in Abuja involving Justice Mohammed Umar and defence lawyer Marshall Abubakar during proceedings in the case of activist Omoyele Sowore.
The incident, said to have occurred on Monday, March 16, 2026, reportedly involved the trial judge directing Abubakar to step out of the Bar and kneel after raising his voice while addressing the court on a hearing date. The judge is also reported to have threatened contempt proceedings.
In a statement, NBA President Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN) described the development as serious, noting its implications for the dignity of the legal profession and courtroom decorum.
While acknowledging that judges have the authority to maintain order in their courts, the NBA stressed that such powers must be exercised strictly within the law and established judicial standards. The association emphasized that no judge has the power to order a lawyer, or any person, to kneel in court, calling the alleged act “unrecognized” under Nigerian law.
“The dignity of the court must be preserved not only in outcome but also in process,” the NBA said, noting that allegations of contempt must follow proper legal procedures to ensure fairness and respect for all parties.
The NBA also reminded lawyers of their duty to maintain professionalism and courtesy while advocating for clients, stressing that disagreements with the court must be expressed through proper legal channels.
The association called for calm, urging grievances arising from courtroom incidents to be addressed through appropriate institutional and disciplinary mechanisms.
Reacting to the incident, Sowore took to social media, accusing the court of misconduct. “HOW DO YOU EXPECT JUSTICE IN A COUNTRY WHERE A JUDGE ORDERS A SOLID LAWYER TO KNEEL DOWN FOR INSISTING ON CROSS-EXAMINING A FAKE WITNESS PRESENTED BY THE LAWLESS @OfficialDSSNG?” he wrote.
He praised Abubakar for standing his ground, adding that the judge “had to adjourn and leave the courtroom,” concluding with: “NIGERIA IS FINISHED!”
