The West African Bar Association (WABA) has condemned what it described as the unlawful and degrading treatment of a legal practitioner allegedly ordered to kneel in open court by a judge of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

In a statement issued on March 24, 2026, and jointly signed by its Acting President, Bornor Varmah, Esq., and Secretary-General, Adesina Adegbite, FICMC, MCIArb, the regional body described the incident as “a grave affront” to the dignity of the legal profession and a violation of the rule of law.

WABA said the reported action of the judge was inconsistent with judicial ethics and incompatible with the standards expected of the bench, warning that such conduct could erode public confidence in the judiciary.

“The courtroom remains a sacred space where the dignity of all participants must be preserved,” the association stated, adding that any act subjecting a legal practitioner to humiliation undermines the administration of justice.

The body noted that while courts possess inherent powers to maintain order and decorum, such powers must be exercised within the confines of the law and with due respect for human dignity.

WABA, therefore, called on the National Judicial Council (NJC) to immediately investigate the incident and take appropriate disciplinary action against the judge involved.

It also expressed solidarity with the affected lawyer, Mr. Marshall Abubakar, who was representing human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, at the time of the incident.

However, the association cautioned lawyers to remain courteous to judicial officers at all times.

Reiterating its commitment to defending the rights and independence of legal practitioners across West Africa, WABA urged stakeholders in the justice sector to uphold professionalism, mutual respect, and strict adherence to the rule of law.

See below, the statement endorsed by Bornor Varmah, Esq., Acting President, and Adesina Adegbite, FICMC, MCIArb, Secretary-General of the association.