The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has expressed serious concerns over an altercation between Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court in Abuja and a lawyer, Marshall Abubakar.

The incident occurred on March 16 when Abubakar appeared as the lead defence counsel to activist Omoyele Sowore in a defamation case.

The trial judge allegedly ordered the lawyer to kneel down for behaving in a rude way.

Abubakar reportedly raised his voice while addressing the court on the suitability of a hearing date.

The judge was also reported to have threatened to commit the lawyer for contempt.

In a statement yesterday, the NBA described the development as deeply troubling.

The nation’s umbrella union for lawyers noted that it carried significant implications for the dignity of the legal profession and the sanctity of the courtroom.

“The courtroom is a temple of justice, governed by law, procedure, and decorum,” the association stated.

It stressed that while judges have the authority to maintain order, such powers must be exercised strictly within the bounds of the law and established judicial standards.

The NBA stated that although courts possess the power to punish for contempt, such authority is guided by defined legal procedures intended to ensure fairness and respect for the rights and dignity of all parties.

“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 statement added.

The association added that the dignity of the court must be preserved not only in its decisions but also in the manner judicial authority is exercised.

It advised that any perceived contempt should be handled through proper legal processes.

“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 statement sai

The NBA reminded legal practitioners of their responsibility to maintain professionalism and respect in the courtroom.

The association noted that while lawyers are duty-bound to advocate vigorously for their clients, such advocacy must remain within the limits of decorum.

Highlighting the importance of mutual respect between the Bar and the Bench, the NBA described the relationship as fundamental to the administration of justice.

NBA President Afam Osigwe (SAN) called for calm and restraint.

He advised that any grievances arising from courtroom incidents should be addressed through appropriate institutional and disciplinary mechanisms.

He expressed the association’s readiness to engage relevant authorities, where necessary, to ensure that the rule of law, professional standards, and judicial ethics are upheld.

Source: The Nation News