Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
PORT HARCOURT, Nigeria — The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has issued a strong statement condemning the summary remand of a legal practitioner in Rivers State, warning that such actions constitute an abuse of judicial authority and undermine the constitutional right of counsel to represent clients freely. The statement, signed by NBA President Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, and General Secretary Dr. Mobolaji Ojibara, highlights concerns about a growing trend of intimidation and overreach in certain courtrooms, emphasizing that the administration of justice relies on a delicate partnership between the Bench and the Bar.
The NBA statement stressed that while judges possess inherent powers to protect the dignity of their courts, these powers must be exercised within the bounds of the law, and cannot be used to abridge the professional duties of legal practitioners. Drawing on the words of former Justice Oputa, the association underscored that the proper exercise of contempt powers is a measure of judicial temperament, and that misuse of such powers fosters fear rather than respect in the courtroom.
The association highlighted that instances where counsel are accused of misrepresentation or impropriety in legal filings should be handled through established disciplinary channels, such as referral to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC), rather than through immediate punitive actions such as remand or detention. The NBA characterized the remand of Mrs. Lovina under the circumstances as a disproportionate response that amounts to denial of fair hearing and judicial bullying.
In response to the incident, the NBA has outlined specific demands, including the immediate release of the affected counsel and an urgent investigation by the Chief Judge of Rivers State into the circumstances surrounding the remand. The association further called on the National Judicial Council to take appropriate disciplinary measures where warranted. Additionally, the NBA announced a conditional boycott: all branches in Port Harcourt and its environs, as well as legal practitioners, are to refrain from appearing before the court of Hon. Justice Nwogu for seven days should Mrs. Lovina not be released within 24 hours.
The statement also directed the NBA Human Rights Institute to monitor developments, liaise with relevant authorities, and ensure the protection of the counsel’s fundamental rights. Beyond immediate measures, the association emphasized the importance of engaging with the National Judicial Council and the National Judicial Institute to address patterns of judicial overreach, reinforce standards of judicial conduct, and strengthen the professional relationship between judges and lawyers.
The NBA’s statement concluded with a firm reminder that courts must function as forums of law and reason, not intimidation and fear, and that judicial authority is best preserved through fairness, restraint, and adherence to the rule of law. The association reaffirmed its commitment to protecting legal practitioners’ rights while upholding the integrity of the justice system.
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