The Nigerian Bar Association has condemned what it calls a growing pattern of judicial overreach and intimidation of lawyers, following reports of judges ordering the detention of legal practitioners in controversial circumstances in Rivers State and Abuja.
NBA President Mazi Afam Osigwe said the association received reports from a Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt, where Justice Chinwendu Nwogu allegedly convicted and ordered the detention of defence counsel Mrs Lovinah Ugbana Benjamin for contempt after delivering judgment in Suit No. PHC/301/2016, Bodiseowei Zidougha v. Chief of Naval Staff and others.
According to the NBA, the judge claimed the naval lawyer committed contempt in the face of the court by making false statements and imputations against the court in her written address. The association described the action as high handed and warned that such use of contempt powers undermines the dignity of the profession and the balance between Bench and Bar.
In a separate incident, the NBA said Justice Rita Ofili Ajumogobia of the Federal High Court in Abuja ordered the detention of a legal officer, Martin Anyanwu, in the court’s holding facility on March 25. The association also noted wider reports of lawyers being subjected to degrading treatment in some courtrooms, including being ordered to kneel or face the wall under threat of contempt.
Osigwe stressed that the courtroom must remain a forum of law and reason, not intimidation and fear. He said contempt powers exist to protect the administration of justice, not to punish lawyers for advocacy or perceived criticism, and that criticism expressed in good faith and temperate language does not amount to contempt.
The NBA argued that where misconduct is alleged against a lawyer, the proper channel is to refer the matter to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee rather than resorting to summary detention. It described the actions in Rivers and Abuja as an abuse of contempt powers driven more by personal affront than by any genuine threat to justice.
As part of its response, the association demanded the immediate release of the detained lawyers and called on the National Judicial Council to investigate the incidents and take appropriate disciplinary action if misconduct is established.
The NBA warned that if Mrs Benjamin is not released within 24 hours, it may direct lawyers to boycott proceedings before Justice Nwogu’s court for seven days. It also instructed the NBA Human Rights Institute to monitor the situation closely, liaise with relevant authorities and take all necessary steps to protect the affected lawyers’ fundamental rights.
Reaffirming its commitment to the rule of law, the association said it will engage judicial authorities to address what it described as an emerging pattern of judicial intolerance and to reinforce standards of judicial conduct. It emphasised that the justice system depends on a partnership between Bench and Bar built on mutual respect, restraint and a shared commitment to the rule of law, not on fear.
About the author
Nico Gravity battles heart failure, appeals for financial support
Veteran musician Nico Gravity has revealed he is battling heart failure and serious kidney complications, and is appealing to the public for urgent financial assistance to continue his treatment. The singer, known for his viral diss track “Finish Timaya,” made the appeal in an emotional video shared on his Facebook page, where he explained that he has been very ill for the past two months. “Guys, I am very sick. For the past two months, I have been diagnosed with heart failure. I need help,” he said, adding that he had started urinating blood, which doctors linked to a kidney problem. Nico Gravity explained that doctors asked him to undergo a series of tests and that a kidney function test showed his kidneys now have “serious problems.” He said his high blood pressure damaged his heart, which in turn affected […]
AMVCA: Bovi, Nomzamo Mbatha to host 12th edition
Nigerian comedian and actor Bovi Ugboma and South African actress Nomzamo Mbatha have been officially announced as co hosts of the 12th Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA). The prestigious film and television awards ceremony will hold on May 9, 2026, at the Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos. The pair will take over from popular presenter IK Osakioduwa, who anchored the show for 10 straight editions and became synonymous with its glitz and energy. Reacting to his appointment, Bovi said hosting the AMVCA stage comes with both excitement and responsibility. “The AMVCA stage is one of the biggest in Africa, and I don’t take that lightly,” he noted, promising to bring the energy, laughs and magic that the celebration of African storytelling deserves. Nomzamo Mbatha, an actress, producer and UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador, brings significant global star power to the […]
Rangers target Blackburn’s Alebiosu to fill Tavernier void
Scottish giants Rangers have identified Nigerian defender Ryan Alebiosu as a leading candidate to replace long serving captain James Tavernier at right back. With Tavernier widely expected to leave Ibrox at the end of the season, the club is actively scouring the market for defensive reinforcements and has zeroed in on Alebiosu following his impressive performances in England. The 23 year old full back is under contract with Blackburn Rovers until 2028 and has also attracted interest from Serie A side Genoa, Bundesliga outfit Wolfsburg and Premier League club Everton. Blackburn’s uncertain league position could influence negotiations, with reports suggesting relegation fears might force the club to consider a lower fee than originally expected. As Rangers prepare for a new era beyond Tavernier, Alebiosu’s energy, versatility and development potential make him a strong option to fill the looming void on […]
EPL: Arsenal eye return to top spot, Spurs fight for survival
Arsenal can reclaim top spot in the Premier League this weekend while Tottenham Hotspur face a desperate scrap for survival at the bottom of the table. Mikel Arteta’s side go into the round level with Manchester City on 70 points after 33 matches, with both teams boasting a goal difference of +37. City lead only on goals scored and are on FA Cup duty against Southampton, giving Arsenal the chance to move back above them when they host Newcastle on Saturday evening. The Gunners saw a nine point advantage evaporate and lost 2–1 to City at the Etihad last weekend, but they are viewed as having the easier run in on paper. If they beat or even draw with Newcastle, they will return to the summit, and they also play before City again next week, meaning they could be six […]
NFF steps up pursuit of Newcastle’s Osula for Eagles
The Nigeria Football Federation has intensified efforts to convince Newcastle United forward William Osula to switch his international allegiance from Denmark to the Super Eagles. The 22 year old, who joined Newcastle from Sheffield United, has enjoyed a surge in form in recent weeks after a slow start to the season, highlighted by a decisive goal against Manchester United that boosted his profile in the Premier League. Osula, who has Nigerian roots and has endeared himself to local fans with a viral clip of him cooking Ogbono soup while playfully mocking opponents, remains eligible to represent multiple countries. Born in Copenhagen to a Danish mother and a Nigerian French father, he has played for Denmark at youth level and recently received a senior call up but is yet to make a competitive appearance. Reports suggest the NFF has opened contacts […]
High Court rules FCCPC can probe customers’ complaints against banks, other financial institutions
A Federal High Court in Abuja has ruled that the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has the power to investigate consumers’ complaints against banks and other financial institutions. The court, presided over by Justice James Omotosho, dismissed a suit filed by United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, which had challenged the Commission’s jurisdiction in matters involving a commercial bank licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). UBA’s case, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1972/2025, was thrown out in its entirety and the bank was fined N2 million for filing what the judge described as a frivolous and unmeritorious action. FCCPC Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Tunji Bello, hailed the judgment as “a big victory for bank customers,” saying it strengthens advocacy for consumer rights in the financial sector. In its statement signed by Corporate Affairs Director Ondaje Ijagwu, the Commission explained […]
Related
High Court rules FCCPC can probe customers’ complaints against banks, other financial institutions
A Federal High Court in Abuja has ruled that the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has the power to investigate consumers’ complaints against banks and other financial institutions. The court, presided over by Justice James Omotosho, dismissed a suit filed by United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, which had challenged the Commission’s jurisdiction in matters involving a commercial bank licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). UBA’s case, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1972/2025, was thrown out in its entirety and the bank was fined N2 million for filing what the judge described as a frivolous and unmeritorious action. FCCPC Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Tunji Bello, hailed the judgment as “a big victory for bank customers,” saying it strengthens advocacy for consumer rights in the financial sector. In its statement signed by Corporate Affairs Director Ondaje Ijagwu, the Commission explained […]
Alleged coup: Military inaugurates general court martial, begins trial of suspects
The Nigerian military has inaugurated a general court martial to try officers accused in an alleged coup plot, formally kicking off internal trial proceedings months after their arrest. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the accused personnel were brought under tight security to the Guards Brigade Scorpion Mess in Asokoro, Abuja, where the court martial is sitting. Journalists were barred from entering the courtroom, with the session held behind closed doors. Several civilian lawyers were seen arriving at the venue ahead of the inauguration, indicating that the officers are being represented by external counsel. The sitting marks the start of the military’s disciplinary process following investigations into the alleged plot. The case dates back to October 2025, when about 16 serving military personnel, including senior and junior officers, were arrested over alleged acts of indiscipline. Subsequent investigations reportedly […]
APC targets rancour free primaries with revised timetable
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has unveiled a revised timetable for its primaries and says it is working towards rancour free exercises across the states ahead of the next general election. The move followed a major consultation meeting at the Presidential Villa between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and APC governors, where they reviewed preparations for the party’s candidate selection process. From tomorrow, the party’s national secretariat and state offices are expected to come alive with the commencement of sale of Expression of Interest and Nomination forms to all eligible party members. The APC also confirmed that its electronic membership register has been transmitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), in line with the Electoral Act, which restricts participation in primaries to members on the list. Senate President Godswill Akpabio and other party leaders say early submission of the register […]
Nigerian officials involved in killing of Christians — US Senator Ted Cruz
United States senator Ted Cruz has alleged that some Nigerian government officials are complicit in attacks against Christians in the country. Cruz made the claim during a U.S. Senate Foreign Relations subcommittee hearing on Washington’s counterterrorism strategy in Africa, where he described Nigeria as the country with the highest number of Christians killed because of their faith. He said that since 2009, more than 50,000 Christians have been killed and over 20,000 churches, schools and other religious buildings destroyed. “Nigerian officials have been, unfortunately, complicit in facilitating these atrocities,” he told the hearing, linking part of the violence to the operation of Sharia law in some northern states and criticising what he called the slow response of Nigerian authorities to insecurity. Cruz recalled earlier meetings with Nigerian defence and security officials, saying they had promised to tackle the violence but […]
One killed, two injured as police foil kidnap attempt in Ibadan
One person has been killed and two others injured after police foiled a suspected kidnap attempt at the Old Kara area of Bodija in Ibadan North Local Government Area of Oyo State. The deceased was identified as Dasola, who reportedly died during the attack, which occurred just days after a similar incident at Onigambari village along the Ijebu Ode axis in Oluyole Local Government Area. Police Public Relations Officer Ayanlade Olayinka said the latest incident happened on April 21, 2026, at about 7:50 p.m. He explained that a distress call was received from a resident who reported that about four armed men had stormed a Point of Sale (POS) shop in the area and opened fire. “Upon receipt of the information, police operatives immediately mobilised to the scene,” he said, noting that the prompt intervention of officers, working alongside local […]
BREAKING: El Rufai arraigned in Abuja over alleged bugging of NSA Ribadu’s phone
Former Kaduna State governor Nasir El Rufai has been arraigned before a Federal High Court in Abuja over his alleged involvement in the unlawful bugging of the telephone line of National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu. El Rufai pleaded not guilty to a five count amended charge when it was read to him on Thursday morning before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik. The case, marked FHC/ABJ/99/2026, borders on alleged illegal interception of communications and related offences. Proceedings on his bail application were temporarily stalled midway after the judge observed that a document relied on by the defence team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Oluwole Iyamu, was not in the court’s file. Justice Abdulmalik, following an unopposed request by Iyamu, stood the matter down to enable the defence regularise the document and ensure it is properly placed before the court. Prosecuting counsel […]