The Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, has slammed a Federal High Court judge over an incident involving human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore.
The controversy unfolded on Monday, March 16, 2026, at the Federal High Court in Abuja, during proceedings presided over by Justice Mohammed Umar.
The incident involved Sowore’s lead counsel, Marshall Abubakar, and reportedly arose from a disagreement over hearing dates.
According to reports, the judge allegedly instructed Abubakar to leave the Bar and kneel while addressing the court, following the lawyer raising his voice during submissions.
Justice Umar is also said to have threatened the lawyer with contempt proceedings.
Reacting on Tuesday, the NBA described the judge’s actions as “inappropriate” and “contrary to the standards of judicial conduct expected on the Bench”.
The association stressed that no law authorizes a judge to order a legal practitioner or any person to kneel in court.
While acknowledging the powers of judges to maintain order, the NBA emphasized that such authority must be exercised within legal limits.
Contempt proceedings, it said, “must follow due process to protect fairness and the rights of all parties involved”.
The NBA further reminded lawyers of their duty to “maintain professionalism in court”, urging them to be firm yet respectful.
It called on all parties to remain calm and resolve any disputes arising from the incident through proper institutional channels.
“The sanctity of the court and the dignity of the legal profession must always be upheld,” the NBA stated in its statement.
