The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has condemned what it described as rising cases of judges allegedly bullying lawyers and abusing contempt powers to intimidate legal practitioners, warning that such actions threaten the administration of justice in Nigeria.
In a statement signed by its President, Afam Osigwe (SAN), and General Secretary, Mobolaji Ojibara, the association said it had received reports of unlawful detention of lawyers in separate incidents in Rivers State and Abuja.
The NBA cited proceedings in Suit No. PHC/301/2016 before the Rivers State High Court presided over by Justice Chinwendu Nwogu, where defence counsel, Lovinah Benjamin, was allegedly detained after being convicted for contempt over statements contained in a written address.
It also referenced another incident involving Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia of the Federal High Court, Abuja, who reportedly ordered the detention of a legal officer at the Federal Medical Centre, Keffi, Martin Anyanwu, in the court’s holding facility on March 25, 2026.
According to the association, some lawyers have also been subjected to degrading treatment in courtrooms, including being ordered to kneel or face the wall under threat of contempt.
“These reports are not only frightening but appear to show an increasing intolerance and penchant for abusing judicial powers by some judges,” the statement said.
The NBA stressed that contempt powers must not be used to intimidate lawyers or suppress legitimate legal advocacy, noting that not all acts of discourtesy amount to contempt of court.
“It is not a contempt of court to criticise the conduct of a judge or the conduct of a court, even if such criticism is strongly worded, provided that the criticism is fair, temperate, and made in good faith,” the association stated.
The body maintained that where a lawyer’s conduct is deemed improper, the appropriate procedure is to refer the matter to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee rather than impose summary punishment.
It emphasised that the exercise of contempt powers must align with due process and fair hearing, warning that misuse creates an atmosphere of fear and undermines justice delivery.
“The power to punish for contempt is an extraordinary jurisdiction that must be exercised sparingly… The courtroom must remain a forum of law, not intimidation; of reason, not fear,” the statement added.
The NBA demanded the immediate release of the affected lawyers and called on relevant authorities, including the National Judicial Council, to investigate the incidents and take disciplinary action where necessary.
It also warned that its branches in Port Harcourt and surrounding areas may boycott proceedings before Justice Nwogu’s court for seven days if the detained counsel is not released within 24 hours.
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