The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has condemned what it described as a growing pattern of judicial overreach, accusing some judges of bullying lawyers and abusing contempt powers to intimidate legal practitioners.
In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by its President, Afam Osigwe (SAN), and General Secretary, Mobolaji Ojibara, the association expressed concern over reported cases of unlawful detention of lawyers in courtrooms in Rivers State and Abuja.
The NBA warned that such actions pose a serious threat to the administration of justice and undermine the rule of law.
Citing proceedings in Suit No. PHC/301/2016, Mr. Bodiseowei Zidougha v. The Chief of Naval Staff & 2 Ors, before the Rivers State High Court, the association alleged that the presiding judge, Justice Chinwendu Nwogu, ordered the detention of defence counsel after delivering judgment.
According to the NBA, the counsel, Mrs Lovinah Benjamin, was convicted for contempt of court over alleged false statements contained in a written address filed in the matter.
The association also referenced a separate incident involving Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia of the Federal High Court, Abuja, who allegedly ordered the detention of a legal officer with the Federal Medical Centre, Keffi, Martin Anyanwu, in the court’s holding facility on March 25, 2026.
It further noted reports that some lawyers had been subjected to degrading treatment in courtrooms, including being compelled to kneel or stand facing the wall under threat of contempt.
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“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 while courts possess inherent powers to punish for contempt, such authority must be exercised sparingly and strictly within the bounds of the law.
“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 it is fair, temperate and made in good faith,” the association stated.
It maintained that where a lawyer’s conduct is deemed improper, the appropriate course of action is referral to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee, rather than summary punishment or detention.
The association described the use of contempt powers in such circumstances as disproportionate and a violation of the principle of fair hearing.
“The power to punish for contempt is an extraordinary jurisdiction that must be exercised sparingly and only in clear cases where the administration of justice is under immediate threat,” it added.
The NBA demanded the immediate release of the affected lawyers and called on the Chief Judge of Rivers State to investigate the incident involving Justice Nwogu.
It also urged the National Judicial Council to take disciplinary action where necessary.
The association warned that its branches in Port Harcourt and adjoining areas would boycott proceedings in Justice Nwogu’s court for seven days if the detained counsel was not released within 24 hours.
Reaffirming its position, the NBA said it would engage relevant judicial bodies to address what it termed an emerging pattern of judicial excesses and to reinforce standards of judicial conduct.
“The courtroom must remain a forum of law, not intimidation; of reason, not fear,” the statement added.
