The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has publicly condemned Judge Mohammed Umar for his decision to order the defense lawyer, Marshall Abubakar, to kneel in court during a session related to the prosecution of activist Omoyele Sowore. This incident, which reportedly took place amidst ongoing legal proceedings regarding alleged cyber-related offenses attributed to Sowore, has raised significant concerns about judicial conduct and the treatment of legal professionals within the court system.

Various reports indicate that the order for the lawyer to kneel was prompted by the judge's dissatisfaction with the tone of Abubakar's submissions. As the situation escalated, other legal practitioners present in the courtroom expressed their disapproval, advocating for a more respectful handling of the matter. This intervention ultimately led the judge to adjourn the session, highlighting tensions between judicial authority and the rights of legal representatives in the courtroom.

In a statement released following the incident, NBA President Afam Osigwe emphasized that such practices are not only inconsistent with established standards of the legal profession but also detrimental to the dignity of the judiciary. The association's condemnation sheds light on larger issues of judicial accountability and the treatment of defense attorneys in Nigeria, raising questions about the implications of such incidents for the broader legal landscape and the safeguarding of democratic principles.