Micah Jonah
March 17, 2026
A judge of the Federal High Court in Abuja, Mohammed Umar, on Monday threatened to jail defence lawyer Marshall Abubakar for contempt during proceedings involving Omoyele Sowore.
The incident occurred after Abubakar raised his voice while addressing the court over a proposed hearing date. In response, the judge ordered him to step forward from the bar and kneel, warning that further disruption could lead to imprisonment.
Other lawyers in the courtroom quickly intervened, pleading with the judge to temper his reaction, after which proceedings were adjourned.
The case involves charges filed by the State Security Service against Sowore over social media posts in which he allegedly described President Bola Tinubu as a criminal. Sowore has pleaded not guilty.
During the session, prosecution counsel Akinlolu Kehinde announced the closure of the prosecution’s case and urged the court to compel the defence to open its case. The defence, however, indicated plans to file a no-case submission and requested a later date, which the prosecution opposed, describing it as a delay tactic.
Justice Umar fixed 13 April for the adoption of final written addresses on the no-case submission.
Earlier in the proceedings, the prosecution also raised concerns that Sowore had a recording device in the dock, an allegation he denied. The court subsequently directed him to hand over personal items, including his phone, to his legal team.
The courtroom exchange highlights rising tensions in the trial, which had drawn public attention amid debates over free speech and judicial conduct in Nigeria.
