NBA Condemns Sowore’s Press Briefing Inside Federal High Court
The Nigerian Bar Association has condemned former presidential candidate and human rights activist Omoyele Sowore for disrupting proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday.
The drama unfolded when Sowore clashed with Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Musibau Adetunbi, SAN, while attempting to address journalists inside the courtroom.
A video circulating online showed the lawyer confronting Sowore, insisting the courtroom was not a venue for a press briefing.
Sowore responded, “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 on Wednesday, NBA President Afam Osigwe said courtrooms in a constitutional democracy are open to the public to promote transparency, but must be conducted with restraint, discipline, and respect for judicial authority.
The association said Sowore entered the courtroom accompanied by individuals carrying camera phones and recording equipment and appeared to prepare for a press conference.
He moved into the inner bar, sat on a table, and began addressing national issues despite his case not being listed for hearing and without being accompanied by a legal practitioner.
The NBA said the incident led to tension in the courtroom and a confrontation with Adetunbi, SAN, who objected to Sowore’s conduct.
“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 statement said.
It added that using a courtroom for publicity, advocacy theatrics, or confrontation is unacceptable and inconsistent with the discipline required in judicial proceedings.
While acknowledging the right of Nigerians to attend court, the NBA stressed this does not extend to converting courtrooms into platforms for press briefings.
The association condemned Sowore’s actions, expressed solidarity with Adetunbi, SAN, and other lawyers who maintained order, and called on court authorities to protect courtrooms as spaces for orderly justice.
The NBA reaffirmed its commitment to defending the dignity of the legal profession and ensuring courtrooms remain places of respect, discipline, and orderly advocacy.
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.
