NS
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has condemned an alleged courtroom incident involving Justice Mohammed Umar, describing the reported directive for a lawyer to kneel as inconsistent with judicial standards and the dignity of the legal profession.
The incident reportedly occurred during proceedings in a case involving activist Omoyele Sowore, who is being prosecuted by the Department of State Services over alleged cyber-related offences.
According to reports, the presiding judge warned the defence counsel over his tone while making submissions and at one point ordered him to “come out and kneel down” in open court. Other lawyers present intervened, pleading for leniency, after which the judge adjourned the matter.
The NBA, in a statement issued by its President, Afam Osigwe, expressed concern over reports that Marshall Abubakar, Sowore’s lead counsel, was ordered to kneel during proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The association stated that the directive followed an exchange in court where the lawyer raised his voice while addressing the judge over the suitability of a hearing date, which reportedly prompted threats of contempt.
The NBA said the development raises serious concerns about courtroom conduct and adherence to due process, stressing that judicial authority must be exercised within established legal limits.
It emphasized that ordering a lawyer or any individual to kneel is not a recognised judicial sanction and does not align with expected standards of judicial conduct.
While acknowledging that judges have powers to maintain order, the association noted that such powers are not absolute and must follow proper legal procedures.
The NBA also urged lawyers to maintain professionalism, restraint, and decorum in court, even during disagreements.
Reacting to the incident, Sowore criticised the development, questioning the state of justice in the country, while human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong described the directive as unacceptable, stating that corporal punishment has no place in the courtroom.
The association reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the rule of law and maintaining professional and ethical standards within the legal system.
The incident reportedly occurred during proceedings in a case involving activist Omoyele Sowore, who is being prosecuted by the Department of State Services over alleged cyber-related offences.
According to reports, the presiding judge warned the defence counsel over his tone while making submissions and at one point ordered him to “come out and kneel down” in open court. Other lawyers present intervened, pleading for leniency, after which the judge adjourned the matter.
The NBA, in a statement issued by its President, Afam Osigwe, expressed concern over reports that Marshall Abubakar, Sowore’s lead counsel, was ordered to kneel during proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The association stated that the directive followed an exchange in court where the lawyer raised his voice while addressing the judge over the suitability of a hearing date, which reportedly prompted threats of contempt.
The NBA said the development raises serious concerns about courtroom conduct and adherence to due process, stressing that judicial authority must be exercised within established legal limits.
It emphasized that ordering a lawyer or any individual to kneel is not a recognised judicial sanction and does not align with expected standards of judicial conduct.
While acknowledging that judges have powers to maintain order, the association noted that such powers are not absolute and must follow proper legal procedures.
The NBA also urged lawyers to maintain professionalism, restraint, and decorum in court, even during disagreements.
Reacting to the incident, Sowore criticised the development, questioning the state of justice in the country, while human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong described the directive as unacceptable, stating that corporal punishment has no place in the courtroom.
The association reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the rule of law and maintaining professional and ethical standards within the legal system.
Tags
How do you feel about this article?
Share this story
OO
Oyebade Oluwatobiloba
Admin
Dedicated to bringing you the latest news and stories from Glow Media.
Comments (0)
Be the first to comment on this article!
