By Chibuike Nwabuko
ABUJA (PRECISE POST) – Barely three hours after activist and politician Omoyele Sowore lambasted the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) over its silence on a controversial courtroom drama in Abuja, the legal body has issued a strong response, firmly stating that no judge has the authority to order a lawyer to kneel in court.
Precise Post recalls that the controversy stems from proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday, March 16, 2026, involving Justice Mohammed G. Umar and defence counsel Marshall D. F. Abubakar, who was representing Sowore.
In a strongly worded statement released on his X handle on Tuesday, Sowore condemned the judge’s alleged directive, questioning the integrity of Nigeria’s justice system:
“How do you expect justice in a country where a judge orders a solid lawyer to kneel down for insisting on cross-examining a fake witness presented by the lawless DSS?”
He praised his lawyer for standing firm, asserting that Abubakar “did not flinch,” and claimed the judge ultimately adjourned and exited the courtroom.
Sowore also took a swipe at the NBA, accusing it of selective activism:
“You will never hear the Nigerian Bar Association do anything about this. They are only concerned about the tinted glass permit! Nigeria is finished!”
However, in what appears to be a direct response to the growing public outcry, the NBA, led by its President Afam Osigwe, released an official statement hours later, condemning the reported incident and clarifying the limits of judicial authority.
The association described the development as deeply troubling, emphasizing that:
“No judge has the power to order a lawyer to kneel in court.”
According to the NBA, while judges have the responsibility to maintain order and discipline, such powers must be exercised strictly within established legal procedures. The association stressed that kneeling is not a recognized judicial sanction under Nigerian law and does not align with acceptable standards of judicial conduct.
The NBA underscored the importance of preserving the dignity of the courtroom, noting that justice must not only be done but seen to be done through proper processes.
At the same time, it reminded legal practitioners of their duty to maintain professionalism and decorum, even in moments of disagreement with the bench.
“The legal profession thrives on a delicate but essential balance… rooted in mutual respect between the Bar and the Bench,” the statement read.
Call for Calm and Due Process
The association called for restraint from all parties and urged that any grievances arising from courtroom incidents be handled through appropriate institutional channels. It also indicated readiness to engage relevant authorities where necessary to uphold judicial ethics and the rule of law.
The incident has quickly become a flashpoint in ongoing debates about judicial conduct, courtroom authority, and the independence of legal practitioners in Nigeria.
With both Sowore and the NBA now publicly staking positions, attention is likely to turn to whether any formal inquiry or disciplinary action will follow.
