Falana: Military Court Dress Code Violates Rules for Legal Practitioners

ABUJA — Human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, has faulted the dress code prescribed for lawyers appearing before the General Court Martial trying 36 military officers accused of attempting to overthrow President Bola Tinubu.

In a statement, Falana said the directive issued by Major General A.M. Alechenu in the Convening Order of April 23, 2026, conflicts with the Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners 2023.

Item 9(g) of the order states: “All officers are to wear No 4 dress (or equivalent) while soldiers are to wear No 5 dress (or equivalent) throughout the duration of the court. All civil lawyers are to be robed. However, serving officers who are lawyers have the option of either wearing No 4 (or equivalent) or being robed.”

Falana argued that the military authorities should jettison the directive because it contradicts existing legal rules. He cited Rule 8(5) of the Rules of Professional Conduct, which provides: “An officer in the Armed Forces who is a lawyer may discharge any duties devolving on him as such officer and may appear at a Court Martial as long as he does so in his capacity as an officer and not as a lawyer

He also referenced Rule 45(2): “A lawyer shall not wear the Barrister’s or Senior Advocate’s robe (a) on any occasion other than in Court except as may be directed or permitted by the Bar Council.”

Falana warned that defence counsel and military prosecutors who appear robed before the General Court Martial risk being brought before the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee for professional misconduct.

He noted his opposition to the military court trying the alleged coup plotters, but said the trial is proceeding regardless.