The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has raised concerns over reports that Justice Mohammed Umar allegedly ordered a lawyer to kneel in court during proceedings in a case involving activist Omoyele Sowore. Sowore is currently being prosecuted by the Department of State Services (DSS) for alleged cyber-related offences.
According to reports, the incident occurred after the presiding judge warned lead defence counsel Marshall Abubakar over his tone during submissions. At one point, the judge reportedly ordered the lawyer to “come out and kneel down” in open court. Other lawyers present intervened, pleading for leniency, after which the judge adjourned the case and rose for the day.
The NBA, through its President Afam Osigwe, described the alleged directive as inconsistent with judicial standards and the dignity of the legal profession. In a statement on Monday, the association stressed that the courtroom is a “temple of justice” governed by law, procedure, and decorum, and that judicial authority must always remain within legal limits.
While acknowledging that judges have the power to maintain order, the NBA emphasised that such authority is not absolute. The association stated that “a judge 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 NBA’s statement highlights serious concerns about courtroom conduct, due process, and the need to uphold the dignity of legal practitioners during court proceedings.
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