The Nigerian Bar Association says no judge has the authority to order a lawyer to kneel in court, condemning the reported directive against Marshall Abubakar.
The Nigerian Bar Association has criticised Justice Mohammed Umar for allegedly ordering lawyer Marshall Abubakar to kneel during proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja. NBA President Afam Osigwe described the action as inconsistent with judicial standards and the dignity of the legal profession.
Osigwe said, “No judge has the power to order a lawyer to kneel in court,” stressing that while judges can maintain discipline, such authority must follow legal procedures. He added that “a judex directing a legal practitioner… to kneel in court is not a recognised judicial sanction under our laws.”
The NBA urged lawyers to maintain professionalism in court while expressing disagreements through proper legal channels. It also called for calm and advised that grievances arising from courtroom incidents be addressed through appropriate institutional and disciplinary mechanisms.
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