NBA Slams Judge for Ordering Lawyer to Kneel in Court
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has condemned Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court in Abuja for instructing lawyer Marshall Abubakar to kneel in court.
Abubakar, lead defence counsel for human rights activist Omoyele Sowore, reportedly raised his voice while contesting the court’s scheduled date for the defence to open its case. In response, Justice Umar ordered him to “come out” of the bar area and kneel.
NBA President Afam Osigwe stated that no judge has the authority to compel a lawyer to kneel in court. “A judge directing a legal practitioner—or any person—to kneel is not a recognised judicial sanction under our laws and does not align with the standards of judicial conduct expected on the Bench,” he said in a statement on Tuesday.
Osigwe stressed that while lawyers must maintain professionalism, restraint, and respect for the court, they are entitled—and obligated—to advocate firmly and fearlessly for their clients, provided such advocacy is conducted within proper decorum. He added that disputes with the court should always be raised through appropriate legal channels, not through actions that undermine judicial authority.
“The legal profession thrives on a delicate but essential balance, rooted in mutual respect between the Bar and the Bench,” Osigwe said, emphasizing that this relationship is fundamental to the proper administration of justice.
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