The Nigerian Bar Association has expressed deep concern over what it described as growing judicial intimidation of lawyers, abuse of police powers, and threats to constitutional democracy, declaring that “courtrooms must not become theatres of fear.”
The position was contained in the Executive Report presented by NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, during the National Executive Council meeting held in Awka on Thursday, 7th, May. 2026.
Addressing members of NEC, Osigwe warned against the misuse of contempt proceedings by some judges to intimidate legal practitioners, insisting that judicial authority must not be exercised to humiliate or suppress lawyers carrying out their professional duties.
“The administration of justice rests on a delicate but enduring partnership between the Bench and the Bar, one built not on fear but on mutual respect, restraint, and a shared commitment to the rule of law,” the NBA President stated.
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