NBA, Sowore Clash Over Courtroom Conduct In Abuja

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has condemned the conduct of activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore at the Federal High Court, describing his actions as a disruption of courtroom decorum.

The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, reportedly sparked tension after Sowore clashed with Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Musibau Adetunbi, while attempting to address journalists in the courtroom. A viral video showed the senior lawyer objecting to Sowore’s actions, insisting that the courtroom was not an appropriate venue for a press briefing.

Sowore, however, pushed back, accusing the lawyer of intimidation. “You’re intimidating me and insulting my intelligence because you’re introducing yourself to me as a SAN. I also have my own SANs,” he said during the exchange.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, NBA President Afam Osigwe, said while courtrooms in a constitutional democracy are open to the public to promote transparency, proceedings must be conducted with 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 NBA alleged that Sowore entered the courtroom with individuals carrying recording devices and appeared to be setting up for a press conference. According to the association, members of his team 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 national issues—despite his case not being listed for hearing and without the presence of legal counsel.

The association said the development heightened tension and led to a confrontation with Adetunbi, who insisted on maintaining courtroom order.

“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 NBA stated, adding that courtrooms must not be used for “publicity, advocacy theatrics, or confrontation.”

While reaffirming that members of the public have the right to attend court proceedings, the NBA stressed that such access does not extend to converting the courtroom into a platform for media engagement. The body also expressed solidarity with Adetunbi and other lawyers present, urging court authorities to safeguard the sanctity of judicial spaces.

In a swift response on his X handle on Wednesday, Sowore rejected the NBA’s claims, accusing the association of misrepresenting events and engaging in “selective outrage.”

According to him, he was present in court to obtain a Certified True Copy of a ruling striking out a cybercrime charge filed against him in January 2025 by the Nigeria Police. He said complications arose after the police allegedly filed and withdrew motions related to the case, prompting him to wait for the judge’s directive.

Sowore maintained that he did not organise a press conference but merely responded to questions from journalists attached to the court.

“I did not organize any press conference. I responded to questions, as I have done consistently over the years,” he said, noting that media interactions within court premises are routine.

He further criticised the NBA for failing to speak out against past alleged violations of court processes by state actors, including what he described as his previous courtroom arrest by security operatives.

Sowore also accused some lawyers, including the SAN involved in the confrontation, of attempting to intimidate him and members of his team.

“The NBA cannot claim to defend the rule of law while ignoring abuses by powerful state actors and amplifying misleading narratives against victims,” he said.

He added that the court eventually reaffirmed its decision striking out the case and ordered the release of his international passport.