Proceedings at the Federal High Court took a dramatic turn on Monday as Justice Mohammed Umar clashed with defence counsel during the ongoing trial of human rights activist Omoyele Sowore.
Sowore is being prosecuted by the Department of State Services (DSS) over remarks in which he allegedly described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a criminal.
Tensions in the courtroom escalated after Sowore’s legal team requested a longer adjournment, following the prosecution’s declaration that it had closed its case. The request appeared to irritate the presiding judge.
During the proceedings, Sowore reiterated his intention to continue travelling across Nigeria to mobilise opposition against the President ahead of the 2027 general election, a statement that was quickly interrupted by lead prosecutor Adeolu Kehinde.
The situation intensified when Sowore’s lead counsel, Marshal Abubakar, rose to address the court. In an emotional submission, Abubakar argued that Sowore’s activism represented progressive political ideals and alleged that the Federal Government was attempting to silence him through prosecution.
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Despite repeated warnings from the bench to refrain from further arguments, Abubakar continued speaking, prompting Justice Umar to lose his temper. The judge ordered the lawyer to step forward and kneel, describing his conduct as contempt of court.
Abubakar, however, refused the directive, insisting that kneeling before a judge is not recognised under Nigerian law as a form of punishment. His defiance stirred unease in the courtroom, with several lawyers intervening to appeal for calm.
Amid the tension, the court adjourned the case to April 13, 2026, despite objections from the defence team, who described the date as inconvenient.
The incident highlights the growing intensity surrounding Sowore’s trial, which continues to draw public attention due to its political undertones and implications for freedom of expression in Nigeria.