By our Reporter
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has condemned what it described as growing instances of judicial intimidation and abuse of contempt powers against legal practitioners in Nigerian courts.
In a statement jointly signed by its President, Afam Osigwe (SAN), and General Secretary, Dr. Mobolaji Ojibara, the association expressed concern over reports of judges allegedly bullying lawyers and unlawfully ordering their detention.
The NBA cited a case before the Rivers State High Court presided over by Justice Chinwendu Nwogu, where a counsel representing the Chief of Naval Staff and the Nigerian Navy, Mrs. Lovinah Ugbana Benjamin, was reportedly convicted for contempt and ordered detained after judgment.
It also referenced another incident at the Federal High Court, Abuja, where Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia allegedly ordered the detention of a legal officer, Martin Anyanwu, on March 25, 2026.
The association decried reports of degrading treatment of lawyers in courtrooms, including instances where practitioners were allegedly compelled to kneel or face the wall under threat of contempt.
Describing such actions as high-handed and unacceptable, the NBA said they undermine the dignity of the legal profession and erode the mutual respect required between the Bench and the Bar.
“The power to punish for contempt is an extraordinary jurisdiction that must be exercised sparingly and only in clear cases where the administration of justice is under threat,” the statement said.
The association stressed that not every act of discourtesy or disagreement by counsel amounts to contempt, noting that lawyers have a constitutional right to represent their clients without fear of intimidation.
It warned that the misuse of contempt powers could create an atmosphere of fear in courtrooms and jeopardise the right to fair hearing.
The NBA further argued that where a lawyer’s conduct is deemed improper, the appropriate step is to refer the matter to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee rather than resorting to summary punishment.
As part of its demands, the association called for the immediate release of the affected counsel and urged the Chief Judge of Rivers State to investigate the incident involving Justice Nwogu.
It also called on the National Judicial Council to take disciplinary action where necessary and warned that lawyers in Port Harcourt and its environs may boycott proceedings before the affected court if the detained counsel is not released within 24 hours.
The NBA said it has directed its Human Rights Institute to monitor developments and engage relevant authorities to safeguard the rights of affected lawyers.
Reaffirming its stance, the association stressed that courtrooms must remain spaces of justice, guided by fairness, restraint, and respect for the rule of law, rather than arenas of intimidation.
