A Shari’a Court sitting in Rigasa, Kaduna State, on Tuesday, ordered the remand of a female spectator whose mobile phone rang during ongoing court proceedings, disrupting the session.
Presiding Judge, Malam Muhammad Adamu, directed that the woman be charged with obstructing the smooth conduct of court proceedings, describing her actions as contemptuous and a breach of the courtroom’s decorum.
According to reports from the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the incident occurred when the spectator, whose name was not disclosed, failed to comply with established court protocols. Her phone rang audibly during a session, interrupting the solemnity of the proceedings.
Upon being approached by a court official and asked to submit her phone as part of the court’s disciplinary measures, she resisted, further aggravating the situation.
The woman pleaded with the court, explaining that it was her first time ever attending a court session.
“I didn’t know how the court operates; this is my first time in court. I only came to observe the proceedings out of curiosity,” she said.
Despite her pleas for leniency and repeated expressions of ignorance regarding court procedures, the Judge maintained that ignorance of court rules was not an excuse. Consequently, she was ordered to be remanded in custody, and her phone was confiscated.
Court authorities emphasized that clear notices had been placed at strategic locations within the court premises — both outside and inside the courtroom — instructing all attendees to switch off their mobile devices.
Additionally, a court clerk had made a public announcement before the proceedings began, warning attendees to either turn off their phones or put them on silent mode to maintain order.
Court officials stressed that maintaining courtroom decorum is critical to upholding the dignity of the judicial process and ensuring the fair and uninterrupted administration of justice. Disruptions, no matter how minor, could undermine the integrity of the proceedings and disrespect the authority of the court.
The incident has sparked mixed reactions, with some observers emphasizing the need for continuous public education on courtroom etiquette and procedures, especially for first-time visitors, while others lauded the court’s firmness in preserving judicial decorum.
The matter is expected to return to court soon for further handling regarding the formal charges of obstruction.
