‘Kneel Down’ Order: NBA Slams Judge Over Court Incident

NBA

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has condemned a Federal High Court judge over an incident involving human rights activist Omoyele Sowore.

The controversy occurred on Monday, March 16, 2026, at the Federal High Court in Abuja, where Justice Mohammed Umar was presiding.

It reportedly involved Sowore’s lead counsel, Marshall Abubakar, and arose from a disagreement over hearing dates.

Reports indicate that the judge allegedly instructed Abubakar to leave the Bar and kneel while addressing the court after the lawyer raised his voice during submissions.

Justice Umar is also said to have threatened the lawyer with contempt proceedings.

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Reacting to the incident, the NBA described the judge’s actions as “inappropriate” and “contrary to the standards of judicial conduct expected on the Bench.”

The association affirmed that no law grants a judge the authority to order a legal practitioner or anyone else to kneel in court.

While acknowledging a judge’s power to maintain order, the NBA stressed that such authority must be exercised within legal limits.

The NBA reminded lawyers of their duty to “maintain professionalism in court” while urging them to be firm yet respectful.

The association called for disputes arising from the incident to be resolved through proper institutional channels.

“The sanctity of the court and the dignity of the legal profession must always be upheld,” the NBA warned.

“Journalism is what we need to make democracy work.”
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“News is what somebody somewhere wants to suppress; all the rest is advertising.”
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“Journalism can never be silent: that is its greatest virtue and its greatest fault.”
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“The duty of a journalist is to convey the truth as clearly and fully as possible.”
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“Good journalism is about results. It is about affecting your community or your society in the most progressive way.”
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“Journalism is printing what someone else does not want printed; everything else is public relations.”
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“A free press is not a privilege but an organic necessity in a great society.”
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“The press was to serve the governed, not the governors.”
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“Journalism without a moral position is impossible.”
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“The function of journalism is to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable.”
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