The Nigerian Bar Association has raised serious concerns over reports that a judge at the Federal High Court of Nigeria allegedly ordered a lawyer to kneel in court during proceedings.
According to the NBA, the incident occurred on Monday, 16 March 2026, involving Justice Mohammed Umar and Mr. Marshall Abubakar, who appeared for Omoyele Sowore. The judge reportedly reacted to Abubakar raising his voice while addressing the court about the suitability of a hearing date.
The NBA clarified that no judge has the legal authority to compel a lawyer to kneel in a courtroom. In a statement, the association stressed that the courtroom is a “temple of justice” and that such actions undermine the dignity of the legal profession and the sanctity of judicial proceedings.
The NBA expressed its concern about the implications of this incident for the legal profession, emphasizing that respect for courtroom procedures must not come at the expense of professional dignity.
The association urged the judiciary to uphold the rule of law while maintaining decorum in the courtroom, warning that any action that compromises the independence and respect of legal practitioners is unacceptable.
This statement follows growing public debate over the reported conduct of Justice Umar during the trial of Sowore, which has drawn attention from legal bodies and civil society groups across Nigeria.
