The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has condemned the actions of two judges, Justices Chinwendu Nwogu of the Rivers State High Court and Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia of the Federal High Court, Abuja, over the detention of legal practitioners, describing the incidents as an abuse of judicial authority and a threat to the rule of law.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN) said the association received with “utmost shock” reports of lawyers being bullied and unlawfully detained in courtrooms, warning that such conduct undermines the dignity of the legal profession.
“Judges must not bully lawyers or abuse the power to punish for contempt as a tool for intimidation,” Osigwe said.
The first incident, according to the NBA, occurred during proceedings in Suit No. PHC/301/2016, Mr. Bodiseowei Zidougha v. The Chief of Naval Staff & 2 Ors, before Justice Nwogu of the Rivers State High Court.
The judge was said to have convicted and ordered the detention of defence counsel, Mrs. Lovinah Ugbana Benjamin, after delivering judgment in the matter.
The court reportedly held the lawyer in contempt for allegedly making false statements and imputations against the court in a written address filed on behalf of her clients—the Chief of Naval Staff and the Nigerian Navy.
In a separate incident, Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia was said to have summarily ordered the detention of Mr. Martin Anyanwu, a legal officer at the Federal Medical Centre, Keffi, in the court’s holding facility on March 25, 2026.
Reacting, the NBA described the actions of the judges as “unfair” and “exceedingly high-handed,” stressing that they run contrary to the principles guiding the exercise of contempt powers.
“The actions as well as the procedures adopted by the judges fly in the face of the rationale for punishment for contempt, which is to vindicate the dignity of the court and protect the due administration of justice,” the statement read.
“The actions appear to have been taken rather to bolster the power and dignity of each of the judges as individuals.”
The association warned that the misuse of contempt powers could instill fear in both lawyers and litigants, thereby eroding the foundation of fair trial.
Nigerian Bar Association Knocks Ofili-Ajumogobia, Nwogu For Detaining Lawyers
