NBA Condemns Judges for Bullying Lawyers and Misuse of Power

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has issued a warning to judges against the bullying of lawyers and the misuse of contempt powers. This statement, signed by NBA President Afam Osigwe and General Secretary Mobolaji Ojibara, follows reports of unlawful detention of lawyers by judges in separate incidents in River State and Abuja.

The NBA cited a specific case, Mr. Bodiseowei Zidougha v. Chief Naval Staff, where Justice Chinwendu Nwogu allegedly ordered the detention of defense counsel, Mr. Lovinah Benjamin, for contempt of court.

The association highlighted increasing reports of degrading treatment of lawyers in court, including orders to kneel or face the wall. The NBA emphasized that not every act of discourtesy constitutes contempt and urged judges to refrain from summarily punishing lawyers.

They called for the immediate release of detained counsel and requested an investigation into the actions of Justice Nwogu, warning that failure to release the lawyer within 24 hours could lead to a boycott of court proceedings in Port Harcourt.