Why lawyers cannot be robed before military courts

The military authorities have convened a General Court Martial to try 36 military officers accused of attempting to overthrow President Bola Tinubu. According to the Convening Order issued on April 23, 2026, civil lawyers are required to be robed, while serving officers have the option of wearing uniforms or being robed. However, this directive contradicts the Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners 2023, exposing lawyers to potential disciplinary action for professional misconduct.