Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The National Executive Council of the Nigerian Bar Association has rejected a military directive compelling civilian lawyers to wear robes before a general court martial trying over 30 soldiers for an alleged coup plot, declaring that the requirement has no legal foundation under Nigerian law and constitutes an unlawful extension of the Rules of Professional Conduct.
The council's decision followed a letter dated 27 April 2026, written by NBA President, Afam Osigwe, to the Chief of Army Staff, protesting a directive contained in a Convening Order for a Court Martial established to try military officers and men accused of plotting a coup against the Federal Government. The court martial, which began in late April, is tasked with trying over 30 soldiers, including senior officers, for conspiracy and other offences linked to an alleged plot to overthrow the government. According to SaharaReporters, tension had already erupted inside the military facility after civilian lawyers refused an order by the tribunal directing them to appear in wigs and gowns. Sources said the disagreement created a tense atmosphere, with tribunal officials allegedly threatening to eject the defence lawyers from the courtroom if they refused to comply.
The NBA noted that Rule 79 of the Rules of Procedure (Army) 1972 merely specifies the categories of persons qualified to appear before a Court Martial and is silent on the mode of appearance or dress code of counsel. The council further argued that the regulation of the professional conduct and appearance of legal practitioners in Nigeria falls exclusively within the purview of the General Council of the Bar pursuant to the Legal Practitioners Act and the Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners. Citing Rule 45 of the Rules of Professional Conduct, the NBA pointed out that the rule specifically lists the courts where robing is mandatory: the High Courts, the Court of Appeal, and the Supreme Court, thereby excluding other tribunals and bodies not expressly mentioned. "The deliberate mention of these courts necessarily excludes other tribunals and bodies not expressly listed," the council observed.
While acknowledging that Courts Martial are recognised courts established under the Armed Forces Act, the NBA maintained that this recognition does not automatically import the ceremonial and procedural requirements applicable to superior courts of record under the Constitution where the governing rules of professional conduct provide otherwise. The NBA NEC consequently called on the Nigerian Army to immediately review and withdraw the aspect of the Convening Order mandating civilian lawyers appearing before Courts Martial to wear robes.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters News | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments