By Imisioluwa Afunmiso
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has condemned reported cases of judges allegedly intimidating and ordering the detention of lawyers.
Describing the actions as excessive and an abuse of judicial powers, the association cited an incident at the Rivers State High Court involving Justice Chinwendu Nwogu, who reportedly ordered the detention of defence counsel, Lovinah Ugbana Benjamin, over alleged contempt after delivering judgment.
It also referenced a separate case at the Federal High Court, Abuja, where Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia allegedly directed that a legal officer, Martin Anyanwu, be detained on March 25, 2026.
The NBA stated that these actions compromise the integrity of the legal system and strains the relationship between the Bench and the Bar, emphasizing that such powers should be used solely to uphold the administration of justice.
The association added that issues relating to professional misconduct should be handled by the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee and also called for the immediate release of those affected, urging the National Judicial Council to look into the issue and review the incidents.