The Nigerian Bar Association has strongly condemned the conduct of former presidential candidate and human rights activist Omoyele Sowore following a dramatic incident at the Federal High Court Abuja on Tuesday.
According to reports, tension erupted in the courtroom when Sowore clashed with Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Musibau Adetunbi, while attempting to address journalists inside the court. A viral video captured the moment the senior lawyer confronted Sowore, insisting the courtroom was not an appropriate venue for a press briefing.
Sowore, however, pushed back, saying, “You’re intimidating me and insulting my intelligence because you’re introducing yourself to me as a SAN. I also have my own SANs.”
In a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by its President, Afam Osigwe, the NBA acknowledged that courtrooms in a constitutional democracy are open to the public to promote transparency and trust. However, it stressed that such openness must be guided by restraint, discipline, and respect for judicial authority.
“It is against this background that the Nigerian Bar Association views with grave concern the incident involving Mr Omoyele Sowore,” the statement read.
The association alleged that Sowore entered the courtroom with individuals carrying camera phones and recording equipment, and proceeded to set up what appeared to be a press conference. His team reportedly attended to him “in a manner akin to a broadcast setting,” after which he moved into the inner bar, sat on a table, and began addressing various national issues—despite his case not being scheduled for hearing and without any legal practitioner present.
The NBA noted that the situation escalated into tension within the courtroom, culminating in the confrontation with Adetunbi, who objected in defense of courtroom decorum.
“Any conduct that undermines the dignity of the court, intimidates legal practitioners, or disrupts proceedings constitutes a grave affront to the rule of law,” the association stated.
It further emphasized that using the courtroom for “publicity, advocacy theatrics, or confrontation” is unacceptable and inconsistent with the discipline required in judicial proceedings.
While reaffirming that Nigerians have the right to attend court proceedings, the NBA clarified that such access does not extend to transforming the courtroom into a platform for press briefings or disruptive actions.
The association also expressed solidarity with Adetunbi and other lawyers who insisted on maintaining order, while calling on court authorities to safeguard courtrooms as protected spaces for the orderly administration of justice.
Reiterating its stance, the NBA vowed to continue defending the dignity of the legal profession and the sanctity of judicial proceedings, stressing that courtrooms must remain spaces defined by order, respect, and disciplined advocacy.
ELIJAH ADEYEMI
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