On March 25, 2026, a significant event unfolded in Rivers State, Abuja, where the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) publicly condemned the actions of judges who unlawfully detained lawyers. This incident has raised serious concerns about judicial overreach and the treatment of legal practitioners in Nigeria.

Just before the NBA’s condemnation, Justice Chinwendu Nwogu convicted and ordered the detention of Mrs. Lovinah Ugbana Benjamin for contempt of court. This decision was met with outrage from the legal community, as it was seen as an abuse of judicial authority. On the same day, Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia ordered the detention of Mr. Martin Anyanwu in the court’s holding facility, further escalating tensions between the judiciary and the NBA.

The NBA swiftly responded to these developments, describing the judges’ actions as an abuse of power that threatens the administration of justice. They emphasized that such conduct undermines the integrity of the legal system and called for the immediate release of the affected lawyers. The NBA warned that if Mrs. Benjamin was not released within 24 hours, they would boycott proceedings before Justice Nwogu’s court for seven days.

Mazi Afam Osigwe, a prominent figure within the NBA, stated, “Judges must not bully lawyers or abuse the power to punish for contempt as a tool for intimidation.” This sentiment reflects a growing concern among legal practitioners regarding the treatment they receive in courtrooms across Nigeria.

In addition to calling for the release of the detained lawyers, the NBA directed its Human Rights Institute to monitor the situation closely and ensure the protection of the affected lawyers’ rights. They also urged the National Judicial Council to investigate the incidents and take disciplinary action where necessary. The NBA emphasized that contempt powers must not be used to suppress legitimate legal practice, asserting that criticism of judicial conduct does not amount to contempt of court if expressed in good faith.

The current state of affairs highlights a troubling pattern of judicial overreach in Nigeria. The NBA noted that summary remand in such circumstances is disproportionate and amounts to a denial of fair hearing. This situation not only affects the individuals involved but also has broader implications for the rule of law and the legal profession in Nigeria.

As the NBA continues to advocate for the rights of lawyers and the integrity of the judicial system, the outcome of these events will be closely monitored. The legal community is watching to see if the National Judicial Council will take action against the judges involved and whether the NBA’s calls for reform will lead to meaningful changes in the treatment of legal practitioners in Nigeria.

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