News

Sowore Denies Holding Press Conference In Federal High Court

ByTitilope Adako

PublishedMarch 25, 2026

Human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, has denied claims that he staged a press conference at the Federal High Court in Abuja, insisting that he merely responded to questions from journalists while carrying out a lawful visit to the court.

The denial follows an earlier statement by the Nigerian Bar Association, which condemned Sowore’s conduct after an altercation inside the courtroom.

A viral video showed Sowore in a heated exchange with Musibau Adetunbi while attempting to speak with journalists within the court premises.

The NBA, reacting to the incident, said it viewed the development “with grave concern”, stressing that courtrooms in a constitutional democracy are meant for the orderly administration of justice and not for performances.

Responding, Sowore described the association’s claim that he staged a press conference on a day his case was not listed as “incorrect”.

He explained that his presence at the court was to obtain a certified true copy of a ruling that struck out a cybercrime charge filed against him in January 2025 by Kayode Egbetokun.

According to him, the court registrar informed him that the presiding judge declined to sign the order due to pending motions filed by the Nigeria Police Force, including an ex parte application to relist the case and another seeking its withdrawal.

“We were told that Justice M.S. Liman would only sign the ruling after addressing those motions. We protested this irregularity and were asked to wait for the judge to resume sitting,” he said.

Sowore added that while waiting, journalists approached him for comments, which he granted, maintaining that there was no organised press conference.

“I did not organise any press conference. I responded to questions, as I have done consistently over the years, including during my 2019 treason trial under the Muhammadu Buhari regime, even though the DSS would smuggle me in and out of the court using the judge’s elevator bank,” he said.

He further described the NBA’s reaction as “selective outrage”, questioning its silence during past incidents involving security agencies.

“Where was this energy when operatives invaded a courtroom to abduct me before a sitting judge?” he queried.

Sowore also accused Adetunbi of intimidation and harassment during the confrontation, insisting that court records would confirm his case was before the court with legal representatives present.

He added that the judge reaffirmed the earlier ruling striking out the charge and ordered the release of his passport.

“The NBA cannot claim to defend the rule of law while ignoring abuses by powerful state actors and amplifying misleading narratives against victims of those abuses. This is not just disappointing, it is dangerous,” he stated.

Titilope Adako

Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.