NBA Faults Judge’s Order For Lawyer To Kneel In Court After Sowore Defence Counsel Raises Voice

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has condemned an order by a Federal High Court judge that directed lead defence lawyer Marshall Abubakar to kneel in open court after he raised his voice while making submissions on behalf of human rights activist Omoyele Sowore. The association described the directive as an inappropriate exercise of judicial authority and inconsistent with legal standards The incident occurred on Monday in the Federal High Court, Abuja, during Sowore’s ongoing trial on cybercrime allegations brought by the Department of State Services (DSS). Abubakar, who is leading the defence team, reportedly drew the ire of trial judge Justice Mohammed Umar when he raised his voice during submissions on the scheduling of the defence’s case. At issue was the defence’s objection to a court‑chosen date for opening its case with Abubakar insisting the date was inconvenient and counsel arguing it should be adjourned. Court proceedings reportedly became tense as the lawyer spoke firmly, prompting the judge to order him to step out of the bar area and kneel in the courtroom as a form of admonishment.

Reacting to the order, the NBA the professional body representing lawyers in Nigeria criticised the directive, saying no judge has the authority to require a lawyer to kneel in open court. NBA President Afam Osigwe issued a statement stating that judicial sanctions must follow “accepted procedures” and that dignity and professionalism must be maintained by both the Bench and Bar. Osigwe stressed that attorneys have a duty to advocate firmly and fearlessly on behalf of their clients but must do so within the bounds of decorum and respect for the court. He emphasized that disagreements with judicial rulings even when strongly felt should be handled through proper legal channels, and not through actions that disrupt court proceedings or undermine the authority of the judiciary. The controversy unfolded amid the ongoing cyberbullying prosecution of Omoyele Sowore, a prominent human rights activist and publisher. Sowore, known for political activism and advocacy on issues such as freedom of expression, has been facing charges related to comments he made on social media about President Bola Tinubu. Sowore’s trial has drawn national attention and commentary from civil liberties groups, legal professionals, and human rights advocates, with concerns repeatedly raised about due process, freedom of speech, and the conduct of legal proceedings. Abubakar’s firm defence of his client has been part of that broader conversation Legal practitioners and observers reacted strongly to the judge’s directive. Supporters of the NBA’s position have argued that requiring a lawyer to kneel even in admonition undermines the independence of the legal profession and erodes respect for legal practice norms. The association’s statement reinforced the view that proper judicial decorum must be upheld at all times. Critics of the ruling have also framed the controversy within the context of wider concerns over judicial conduct, the rule of law, and how dissenting voices are treated within the legal system. The NBA’s rebuke of the judge’s order for lawyer Marshall Abubakar to kneel underscores ongoing tensions in the Sowore trial and highlights broader professional concerns about judicial authority, legal decorum, and the balance between court discipline and attorneys’ rights to robust advocacy.