Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, has criticised a directive issued by a military tribunal in Abuja ordering lawyers representing alleged coup plotters to appear in wigs and gowns, warning that the order violates the Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners and could expose lawyers to disciplinary sanctions.
In a statement titled “Why Lawyers Cannot Robe Before Military Courts,” Falana argued that military authorities lack the legal power to compel civilian lawyers and military prosecutors to robe before a General Court Martial.
The controversy follows ongoing proceedings involving alleged coup plotters in Abuja, where lawyers were reportedly instructed to robe or risk being denied audience before the tribunal.
The case was earlier adjourned to May 18 after tensions reportedly arose between tribunal officials and defence lawyers over the dress code directive.
According to reports, a source familiar with the proceedings disclosed that the tribunal insisted lawyers must appear in robes before they could be allowed to participate in the hearing.
Falana revealed that the directive was contained in a convening order dated April 23, 2026, issued by Major General A.M. Alechenu for the trial of 36 military officers accused of plotting to overthrow the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
He stated that Item 9(g) of the order directed all civilian lawyers appearing before the General Court Martial to robe, while military officers who are lawyers were permitted to choose between wearing military uniforms or legal robes.
Falana maintained that the directive contradicts the Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners 2023.
He noted that despite opposition to the establishment of a military court for the trial of the accused officers, the military authorities proceeded with convening the General Court Martial.
Quoting the professional rules guiding legal practice in Nigeria, Falana stressed that lawyers are prohibited from wearing barristers’ or Senior Advocates’ robes outside recognised court settings unless specifically authorised by the Bar Council.
He warned that any defence counsel or military prosecutor who complies with the directive risks being reported to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee for alleged professional misconduct.
