NBA Blasts Judges for Detaining Lawyers, Calls for Immediate Release
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has condemned what it described as a growing pattern of judicial bullying, accusing some judges of misusing contempt powers to intimidate and unlawfully detain lawyers.
In a statement issued on Thursday and jointly signed by its President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, and General Secretary, Dr Mobolaji Ojibara, the association said it was “deeply shocked” by recent reports of lawyers being punished in ways it described as degrading and unlawful.
The NBA cited an incident at the Rivers State High Court, where Justice Chinwendu Nwogu was alleged to have convicted and ordered the detention of a defence counsel, Mrs Lovinah Ugbana Benjamin, after delivering judgment in a case involving the Chief of Naval Staff and others.
It also referenced another case at the Federal High Court in Abuja, where Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia reportedly ordered the detention of a legal officer, Martin Anyanwu, in the court’s holding facility on March 25, 2026.
According to the NBA, there have also been disturbing reports of lawyers being subjected to humiliating treatment in courtrooms, including being ordered to kneel or face the wall under threat of contempt.
The association said such actions not only diminish the dignity of the legal profession but also weaken public confidence in the justice system.
The NBA stressed that not every act of discourtesy by counsel amounts to contempt of court.
It maintained that criticism of a judge or the court, where expressed in good faith, should not attract punitive action.
The body warned that the misuse of contempt powers creates an atmosphere of fear in courtrooms and threatens the ability of lawyers to represent their clients without intimidation.
It argued that where a lawyer’s conduct is considered improper, the appropriate step is to refer the matter to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee, rather than resort to summary detention.
Describing the alleged actions as high-handed and an abuse of judicial authority, the NBA demanded the immediate release of the affected lawyers.
It also called on the Rivers State Chief Judge and the National Judicial Council to investigate the incidents.
The association further threatened to direct a seven-day boycott of proceedings before Justice Nwogu if the detained counsel is not released within 24 hours.
“We wish to remind the judges that a judge’s invocation of his power to punish for contempt of his court is an unwarranted exhibition of naked judicial power which puts counsel and their clients in fear of the court and erodes an important safeguard of fair trial,” the statement read.
“In deprecating these actions, we must also remind judges that not every act of discourtesy to the Court by Counsel amounts to contempt, nor any conduct which involves a breach by Counsel of his duty to his client.
“Courts must distinguish between acts of discourtesy, incivility, uncouth behaviour, or rudeness.”
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
