RismadarVoice Reporters
March 26, 2026
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has condemned what it described as increasing cases of judicial bullying and abuse of contempt powers by some judges, warning against the intimidation and unlawful detention of lawyers in courtrooms.
In a statement signed by its President, Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN), the Association expressed shock over recent incidents, including the detention of a defence counsel in a Rivers State High Court and a legal officer at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The NBA cited a case before Justice Chinwendu Nwogu of the Rivers State High Court, where a lawyer, Mrs Lovinah Ugbana Benjamin, was reportedly convicted for contempt and ordered detained after judgment was delivered in a suit involving the Chief of Naval Staff and others.
It also referenced the detention of Mr Martin Anyanwu, a legal officer with the Federal Medical Centre, Keffi, allegedly ordered by Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on March 25, 2026.
Describing the incidents as “frightening” and indicative of a growing pattern, the NBA said such actions undermine the dignity of the legal profession and erode the mutual respect required between the Bench and the Bar.
“The resort to contempt powers in these instances appears to be high-handed and aimed at intimidating lawyers rather than protecting the administration of justice,” the statement said.
The Association stressed that contempt of court should not be used as a tool to punish lawyers for their style of advocacy or for making arguments that may not align with a judge’s views.
“It is not contempt of court to criticise the conduct of a judge, provided such criticism is fair, temperate and made in good faith,” the NBA stated, adding that lawyers have a constitutional right to present their clients’ cases without fear of intimidation.
The NBA further argued that where a lawyer’s conduct is deemed improper, the appropriate step is to refer the matter to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC), rather than resort to summary punishment or detention.
It described the use of contempt powers in such circumstances as an abuse of judicial authority and warned that it could create an atmosphere of fear in courtrooms.
Among its demands, the NBA called for the immediate release of the affected counsel, an investigation by the Chief Judge of Rivers State, and possible disciplinary action by the National Judicial Council where necessary.
The Association also threatened a seven-day boycott of proceedings before Justice Nwogu’s court if the detained lawyer is not released within 24 hours.
Reaffirming its commitment to the rule of law, the NBA emphasised that the courtroom must remain a place of fairness and justice, not intimidation.
“The authority of the court is best preserved through fairness, restraint, and fidelity to the rule of law,” the statement added.
