How it unfolded
On March 25, 2026, tensions escalated in Abuja, Rivers State, as the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) publicly condemned the actions of judges who unlawfully detained lawyers. This incident has drawn attention to a growing pattern of judicial overreach and intimidation of legal practitioners in Nigeria.
The situation began when Justice Chinwendu Nwogu convicted and ordered the detention of Mrs. Lovinah Ugbana Benjamin for contempt of court. This decision was met with immediate backlash from the NBA, which characterized the judges’ actions as an abuse of judicial authority. Shortly thereafter, Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia ordered the detention of Mr. Martin Anyanwu in the court’s holding facility, further escalating the NBA’s concerns.
The NBA responded swiftly, warning that such actions threaten the administration of justice. They called for the immediate release of the affected lawyers, emphasizing that contempt powers must not be used to suppress legitimate legal practice. The association also threatened to boycott proceedings before Justice Nwogu’s court for seven days if Mrs. Benjamin was not released within 24 hours.
Mazi Afam Osigwe, a representative of the NBA, stated, “Judges must not bully lawyers or abuse the power to punish for contempt as a tool for intimidation.” This sentiment reflects the NBA’s commitment to ensuring that the courtroom remains a forum of law, not intimidation; of reason, not fear.
In a formal statement, the NBA noted that summary remand in such circumstances is disproportionate and amounts to a denial of fair hearing. They also directed their Human Rights Institute to monitor the situation closely and ensure the protection of the affected lawyers’ rights.
The NBA urged the National Judicial Council to investigate the incidents and take disciplinary action where necessary. They emphasized that criticism of judicial conduct does not amount to contempt of court if expressed in good faith, highlighting the need for fairness and restraint in judicial proceedings.
As of now, the situation remains tense, with the NBA standing firm in its demands for justice and accountability. The implications of these events are significant, as they raise critical questions about the balance of power within the judiciary and the rights of legal practitioners in Nigeria.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the judges’ responses to the NBA’s demands, but the association’s actions underscore a pivotal moment in the ongoing struggle for judicial integrity and the protection of legal rights in the country.