Nigerian Bar Association Condemns Judicial Misconduct After Judge Orders Defense Lawyer to Kneel in Open Court

NBA President Afam Osigwe declares that no judge has the power to order a lawyer to kneel, following a controversial incident at the Federal High Court.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 17, 2026, 6:37 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Peoples Gazette

Judicial Conduct Under Scrutiny Following Unprecedented Courtroom Sanction

The Nigerian Bar Association has initiated a formal challenge against the exercise of judicial authority at the Abuja division of the Federal High Court. The controversy stems from an incident on Monday where Justice Mohammed Umar reportedly ordered defense counsel Marshall Abubakar to exit the Bar and kneel down during active proceedings. According to reports, the directive was issued after a verbal disagreement regarding the suitability of a hearing date, a move the NBA has characterized as a severe departure from established judicial standards and legal protocols.

NBA Leadership Declares Punishment Outside Legal Framework

Afam Osigwe, the President of the NBA, issued a stern statement on Tuesday clarifying that the power to order any individual to kneel is not a recognized judicial sanction under Nigerian law. While the association acknowledges the inherent right of a presiding judge to maintain order, Osigwe argued that such authority must be exercised strictly within the bounds of defined legal procedures. According to the NBA leadership, the dignity of the legal profession is compromised when judicial officers bypass standard disciplinary measures in favor of personal humiliation.

Preserving the Sanctity of Courtroom Decorum and Process

The preservation of judicial sanctity depends on both the outcomes of cases and the manner in which authority is projected within the courtroom. The NBA maintains that if a judge perceives an action as contemptuous, they must follow established legal channels rather than inventing physical punishments. Osigwe noted that the current development is viewed with utmost seriousness, as it threatens the mutual respect required between the Bench and the Bar. The association insists that judicial conduct must align with the high expectations of the office to maintain public confidence in the system.