‘Stop bullying lawyers!’ – NBA slams Judges, issues stern warning

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has expressed serious concern over reports of judges allegedly bullying and unlawfully detaining lawyers, describing such acts as an abuse of judicial power and a threat to the dignity of the legal profession.

In a statement on Thursday, the NBA cited two recent incidents. The first involved Suit No. PHC/301/2016, Mr. Bodiseowei Zidougha v. The Chief of Naval Staff & 2 Ors, before the High Court of Rivers State, presided over by Hon. Justice Chinwendu Nwogu. The judge reportedly convicted and ordered the detention of the defendants’ counsel, Mrs. Lovinah Ugbana Benjamin, for contempt of court over alleged false statements in a written address.

The second incident involved Honourable Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia of the Federal High Court, Abuja, who reportedly ordered the detention of Martin Anyanwu, a legal officer with the Federal Medical Center, Keffi, in the court’s holding facility on March 25, 2026.

The NBA noted that reports of degrading treatment of lawyers in courtrooms—including being made to kneel or face the wall—are increasingly frequent and undermine mutual respect between the Bench and the Bar.

“The actions of these judges are not only unfair but exceedingly high-handed,” the NBA said, warning that such practices appear to prioritise the personal dignity of judges over the administration of justice.

The association reminded judges that not every discourteous act by counsel amounts to contempt of court. While lawyers’ conduct may at times be annoying, it does not constitute contempt unless it obstructs or disrupts court proceedings.

“Criticism of a judge or the conduct of a court, if fair, temperate, and made in good faith, is not contempt,” the NBA stressed.

The body concluded by asserting that lawyers have a constitutional right of audience and should not be intimidated or detained for carrying out their duties. It called on the judiciary to exercise restraint and ensure that contempt powers are not misused as a tool for personal vindication.