The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has criticised an alleged courtroom incident involving Justice Mohammed Umar, describing reports that a lawyer was ordered to kneel as a violation of judicial standards and professional dignity.
According to reports, the incident occurred during proceedings in a case involving activist Omoyele Sowore, who is being prosecuted by the Department of State Services over alleged cyber-related offences.
The NBA, in a statement signed by its President, Afam Osigwe, said it was concerned that Marshall Abubakar, lead defence counsel to Sowore, was allegedly asked to kneel in open court after a disagreement over a hearing date.
The association noted that while judges have the authority to maintain order in court, such powers must be exercised within established legal limits. It stressed that ordering a lawyer to kneel is not a recognised judicial sanction and does not align with acceptable standards of conduct.
READ ALSO: UPDATED: Why We Arrested Sowore — Nigeria Police
The NBA further emphasised that allegations of contempt must follow due process, adding that courtroom discipline should always respect the dignity and rights of all parties.
Reacting to the development, Sowore questioned the state of justice in Nigeria, while human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong described the reported directive as unacceptable.
The NBA called for calm and urged that any grievances arising from the incident be addressed through appropriate legal and institutional channels, reaffirming its commitment to upholding the rule of law and professional ethics.