Security guards at the court reportedly tried to stop the lawyer, but they dropped their attempts after he explained why he was entering the building in that manner.
Malcom explained his choice of attire for the proceedings, citing a recent Supreme Court decision that enabled all Nigerians to practice their religion openly and legalized the wearing of the hijab in public settings like schools.
Recall that the Supreme Court last week approved Muslim female students in Lagos State to attend class while wearing the hijab.
Seven members of the court’s panel deliberated before coming to a judgment. According to reports, five of the attorneys agreed to the wearing of a hijab in schools, but two others disagreed.
In the end, the Supreme Court decided in favor of the hijab.
Malcom, who appeared at the court on Thursday morning at about 9:05 am, brought attention to himself when his seated colleagues were startled to find him dressed in traditional garb to look like a herbalist.
According to Naija News, the attorney arrived at the court barefoot and wearing feathers in his wig. Malcom was also seen sporting a red wrapping around his waist and a gourd necklace with cowries.
His entry into the courtroom produced a ruckus, which quickly ended the proceedings. It was not immediately obvious whether the lawyer’s presence was what caused the presiding justice to call a brief break.
According to reports, a sizable crowd gathered in the courthouse to see the dramatic incident while others used their mobile devices to capture images of him.
“I am very grateful to the Supreme Court just last week Friday they made a very resounding decision that promotes Section 38 of the constitution. That is our right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion. That we are free to express our way of worship in our schools and in our courts. That decision was reached on Friday and that has encouraged me
Because I am a traditionalist and this is the way I worship. Based on the decision of the Supreme Court this is how I will be dressing henceforth in court because I am a strong adherent to “Olokun” the god of rivers,” Daily Post quoted Malcom as saying during an interaction with journalists.
He continued by saying that while he was not in favor of the ruling, he was pleased with it since it enhanced and reinforced the rights guaranteed to all Nigerians by the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended.
