Judge Orders Sowore's Lawyer to Kneel in Court

In a recent session at the Federal High Court in Abuja, Justice Mohammed Umar ordered Omoyele Sowore's lawyer, Marshal Abubakar, to kneel in open court after Abubakar repeatedly raised his voice, causing heightened tension during proceedings related to a cyberbullying case against Sowore, instituted by the Department of State Services (DSS). Justice Umar warned Abubakar against further outbursts, which prompted immediate reactions from several lawyers present, who pleaded for the judge's temper to be calmed.

Senior lawyer Akinlolu Kehinde, representing the prosecution, intervened, urging the court to forgive the defense lawyer. The prosecution formally closed its case, while Abubakar informed the court that the defense intended to file a no-case submission and proposed an adjournment until July.

However, Kehinde opposed this request, describing it as part of a strategy to delay proceedings. The judge noted that the prosecution had conducted its case expediently, while the defense had taken longer to cross-examine a single witness, leading to a scheduled final written address on April 13, 2026.