Outrage trails judge’s order directing lawyer to kneel during Abuja court proceedings

There has been widespread outrage within Nigeria’s legal community following an order by a Federal High Court judge in Abuja directing Marshal Abubakar, counsel to activist Omoyele Sowore, to kneel during court proceedings.

The incident occurred after the lawyer drew the judge’s displeasure by raising his voice while making submissions. Abubakar had objected to the date fixed by the court for the defence to open its case, insisting it was not convenient for him.
Apparently angered by the development, the judge, identified as Umar, ordered the lawyer to step out of the bar area and kneel down. However, other lawyers present quickly intervened and appealed to the judge to temper justice with mercy.
The Department of State Services (DSS) is prosecuting Sowore over allegations that he described President Bola Tinubu as a “criminal” in posts on his X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook accounts.
Sowore was initially charged alongside the parent companies of X and Facebook on December 5, 2025. However, an amendment to the charge later removed X Inc. and Meta Inc. as defendants, leaving Sowore as the sole defendant. The amendment also reduced the number of charges from five to two.
The courtroom drama began on Monday after Abubakar concluded the cross-examination of the prosecution’s only witness. The prosecuting counsel, Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), then closed the prosecution’s case and urged the court to call on the defence to open theirs.
When asked by the judge when the defence would proceed, Abubakar indicated that his client intended to file a no-case submission and requested an adjournment to a date in July. Kehinde objected, describing the request as a delay tactic and suggesting that the matter be heard on a day-to-day basis.
In response, the judge noted that while the prosecution handled its case promptly, the defence took four days to cross-examine a single witness. Although he ruled out daily sittings, he fixed April 13 for the adoption of final written addresses on the no-case submission.
Abubakar appeared dissatisfied with the date. While Sowore addressed the court from the dock on how the proposed date might clash with his party’s primaries, his lawyer also spoke simultaneously, asserting that the court belonged to everyone and not a select few.
Reacting to the incident, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) described the judge’s action as deeply troubling, stressing that no law in Nigeria empowers a judge to order a lawyer—or any individual—to kneel in court.
In a statement signed by its President, Afam Osigwe (SAN), the NBA said the development raises serious concerns about the dignity of the legal profession and the sanctity of the courtroom.
“The courtroom is a temple of justice, governed by law, procedure, and decorum,” the association stated, adding that while judges have the authority to maintain order, such powers must be exercised within the bounds of the law.
The NBA emphasised that contempt proceedings must follow established legal procedures that ensure fairness and protect the dignity of all parties, noting that ordering a lawyer to kneel is not a recognised judicial sanction.
It warned against arbitrary or degrading punishments that could erode public confidence in the judiciary, while also reminding lawyers to maintain professionalism and decorum in court.
The association called for calm and urged that grievances arising from courtroom incidents be addressed through appropriate institutional and disciplinary channels. It also assured that it would engage relevant authorities where necessary to uphold judicial ethics, professional standards, and the rule of law.
The incident has sparked widespread debate within the legal community, highlighting concerns about the balance of authority between the Bench and the Bar, and the need to preserve the dignity of courtroom proceedings.