Drama unfolded at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday when Honourable Justice Mohammed Umar reportedly ordered defence lawyer Marshall Abubakar to kneel in open court during proceedings in the cybercrime trial of activist and publisher Omoyele Sowore. The controversial directive came amid rising tensions in the courtroom and has sparked widespread reaction from legal circles.
The incident occurred after Mr. Abubakar, lead counsel for Mr. Sowore, raised his voice while addressing the court over the suitability of a hearing date. Justice Umar, who was presiding over the case, warned the lawyer against further outbursts and threatened to cite him for contempt before ordering him to “come out of the bar area and kneel down.”
Other legal practitioners present quickly intervened, pleading with the judge to show leniency toward Mr. Abubakar. The judge subsequently adjourned the matter until April 13 for adoption of final written addresses in respect of the defence’s no-case submission and then rose for the day without further enforcement of the kneeling order.
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has condemned the reported directive, describing it as inconsistent with established judicial standards and the dignity of the legal profession. NBA President Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN) insisted that while judges have authority to maintain order, no judicial officer has the power under Nigerian law to compel a lawyer to kneel in court.
The episode has raised broader concerns about courtroom conduct and professional ethics in Nigeria’s judicial system. Legal experts emphasise the need for decorum and respect on both sides, even as the NBA urges adherence to procedural fairness and the rule of law in all court proceedings.
