The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), has strongly condemned what it describes as increasing cases of judicial intimidation, accusing some judges of misusing contempt powers to harass and unlawfully detain lawyers.
In a statement jointly signed by its President, Afam Osigwe, and General Secretary, Mobolaji Ojibara, the association expressed “utmost shock” over reports from a Rivers State High Court.
The NBA alleged that Justice Chinwendu Nwogu convicted and ordered the detention of a defence lawyer, Mrs. Lovinah Ugbana Benjamin, after delivering judgment in a case involving the Chief of Naval Staff and others.
The association also pointed to a separate incident at the Federal High Court in Abuja, where Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia reportedly ordered the detention of a legal officer, Martin Anyanwu, on March 25, 2026.
According to the NBA, there have been troubling reports of lawyers being subjected to degrading treatment in courtrooms, including being forced to kneel or face the wall under threat of contempt. It warned that such actions undermine the dignity of the legal profession and weaken public confidence in the justice system.
The body emphasized that not every act of perceived disrespect amounts to contempt, noting that criticism of a judge or court when made in good faith should not attract punitive sanctions.
It further cautioned that the misuse of contempt powers creates a climate of fear in courtrooms and threatens the ability of lawyers to represent their clients effectively and without intimidation.
The NBA argued that where concerns arise over a lawyer’s conduct, the appropriate step is to refer the matter to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee, rather than resorting to immediate detention. It described the alleged actions as “high-handed” and an abuse of judicial authority.
The association called for the immediate release of the affected lawyers and urged investigations by the Rivers State Chief Judge and the National Judicial Council. It also warned that it could initiate 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.
“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,” the NBA stated.
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