NBA Slams Abuja Judge for Ordering Sowore’s Lawyer to Kneel

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has condemned Justice Mohammed Umar over an alleged directive instructing activist Omoyele Sowore’s lawyer to kneel in open court, asserting that the conduct violates established judicial standards.

Sowore on Tuesday alleged that the judge directed his lawyer to kneel, demanding to cross-examine a witness presented by the Department of State Services during proceedings in an alleged cyber-related offence.

Sowore wrote, “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“

Reports indicate that Justice Mohammed Umar warned the legal counsel, Marshall Abubakar, over his tone before allegedly ordering him to kneel in open court.

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

The association, in a Tuesday statement signed by its President, Afam Osigwe, said it was concerned about reports that the judge ordered Marshall Abubakar, who appeared as lead defence counsel to activist Omoyele Sowore, to kneel during proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

According to the statement, the NBA views this development with utmost seriousness, noting that it threatens the dignity of the legal profession and the sanctity of the courtroom.

NBA expressed that the courtroom is a temple of justice, governed by law, procedure, and decorum.

The statement reads, “While judges are vested with the authority to maintain order and discipline in their courts, such authority must be exercised strictly within the bounds of the law and established judicial standards.

“The power to punish for contempt is well recognised; however, it is circumscribed by defined legal procedures designed to ensure fairness, objectivity, and respect for the rights and dignity of all persons appearing before the court.

“A judex 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.”

The association emphasised that the dignity of the court must be preserved not only in outcome but also in process, and this includes the manner in which judicial authority is exercised, noting that if a judge views 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 statement added, “We reiterate that legal practitioners bear a corresponding duty to conduct themselves with restraint, professionalism, and respect for the court at all times. While lawyers are entitled, indeed obligated, to advocate firmly and fearlessly on behalf of their clients, such advocacy must always be exercised within the bounds of courtesy and decorum.

“Disagreements with the court, no matter how strongly felt, must be expressed through proper legal channels and not in a manner that disrupts proceedings or undermines the authority of the court.”

NBA argued that the legal profession thrives on a delicate but essential balance, one rooted in mutual respect between the Bar and the Bench, stressing that the relationship is fundamental to the administration of justice and must be jealously guarded.

The NBA calls for calm and restraint on all sides and urges that any grievances arising from courtroom incidents be addressed through appropriate institutional and disciplinary mechanisms.

“Where necessary, the Association will engage with relevant authorities to ensure that the rule of law, professional standards, and judicial ethics are upheld,” the statement concluded.