By Peter Omopo
The Nigerian Bar Association has raised concerns over what it described as a growing trend of judicial intimidation and misuse of contempt powers against lawyers in Nigerian courts.
In a statement jointly signed by its President, Afam Osigwe, and General Secretary, Mobolaji Ojibara, the association said it had received reports of judges allegedly bullying legal practitioners and unlawfully ordering their detention during court proceedings.
The NBA cited a case before the High Court of Rivers State, presided over by Justice Chinwendu Nwogu, where a defence counsel, Mrs. Lovinah Ugbana Benjamin, was reportedly convicted and detained for contempt of court after judgment had been delivered.
According to the association, the lawyer, who represented the Chief of Naval Staff and the Nigerian Navy in the matter, was accused of making false statements in a written address filed before the court.
The NBA also referenced a separate incident at the Federal High Court in Abuja, where Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia allegedly ordered the detention of a legal officer, Martin Anyanwu, on March 25, 2026.
In addition, the association pointed to reports of degrading treatment of lawyers in courtrooms, including incidents where counsel were allegedly asked to kneel or face the wall under threat of contempt.
It specifically condemned an alleged directive by Justice Mohammed Umar, who was accused of ordering a lawyer representing activist Omoyele Sowore to kneel during proceedings involving a case brought by the Department of State Services.
The NBA said such actions undermine the dignity of the legal profession and erode the mutual respect required between the Bench and the Bar, warning that excessive use of contempt powers could weaken public confidence in the justice system.
The association stressed that contempt powers should only be exercised sparingly and in situations where the administration of justice is under clear threat, noting that not all acts of discourtesy or disagreement with the court amount to contempt.
It further argued that disciplinary concerns regarding lawyers should be referred to the appropriate bodies, such as the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee, rather than addressed through summary punitive measures.
The NBA demanded the immediate release of affected lawyers and called on the relevant authorities, including the Chief Judge of Rivers State and the National Judicial Council, to investigate the incidents and take appropriate action where necessary.
It also warned that its branches in Port Harcourt and surrounding areas may boycott proceedings before Justice Nwogu’s court for seven days if the detained lawyer is not released within 24 hours.
The association added that its Human Rights Institute has been directed to monitor developments and engage relevant authorities to ensure the protection of the fundamental rights of affected legal practitioners.
