NBA Condemns Judge’s Order for Lawyer to Kneel in Abuja Court
On 16 March 2026 at the Federal High Court in Abuja, Honourable Justice Mohammed Umar reportedly ordered lead defence counsel Mr. Marshall Abubakar to step outside the Bar and kneel after the lawyer raised his voice while addressing the court. The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) insists no judge has the power to command a lawyer to kneel and warns that all contempt procedures must follow established legal standards. The NBA emphasises that judicial authority must respect due process and the dignity of everyone in court. Lawyers, the NBA adds, must conduct themselves with professionalism and courtesy, even when passionately defending their clients. Any disagreements should be raised through proper legal channels without disrupting proceedings. The NBA calls for calm and restraint on all sides, urging that any grievances from this incident be handled through the appropriate institutional and disciplinary mechanisms to uphold the rule of law and judicial ethics.
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