NBA Reacts To Sowore’s Court Drama In Abuja

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has criticized former presidential candidate and activist, Omoyele Sowore, for his actions at the Federal High Court in Abuja, describing them as a breach of courtroom decorum. The association conveyed its stance in a statement released Wednesday, signed by its President, Afam Osigwe.

The statement came after an incident on Tuesday in which Sowore reportedly clashed with Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Musibau Adetunbi while attempting to address journalists inside the courtroom. Video footage circulating online showed Adetunbi confronting Sowore, insisting that the courtroom was not an appropriate setting for a press briefing. Sowore responded by claiming he was being intimidated and remarked, “You’re intimidating me and insulting my intelligence because you’re introducing yourself to me as a SAN. I also have my own SANs.”

According to the NBA, while courtrooms in a constitutional democracy are open to the public to ensure transparency, proceedings must be conducted with discipline and respect for judicial authority. The association expressed serious concern over Sowore entering the courtroom with individuals carrying recording equipment and allegedly preparing to hold a press conference.

The NBA noted that Sowore and his team engaged in activities resembling a broadcast setup, after which he moved to the inner bar, sat on a table, and began addressing national issues. The case was not listed for hearing, and Sowore was reportedly not accompanied by a legal practitioner at the time.

The association described the situation as creating tension in the courtroom, culminating in a confrontation with Adetunbi, who objected to the disruption and insisted on maintaining proper courtroom conduct. The NBA emphasized that any actions undermining the dignity of the court, intimidating legal practitioners, or disrupting proceedings constitute a serious affront to the rule of law.

The statement further highlighted that courtrooms should not be used as platforms for publicity or advocacy campaigns and reiterated that public access does not extend to holding press briefings within judicial spaces. The NBA expressed support for Adetunbi and other legal practitioners who sought to uphold order, and urged court authorities to protect courtrooms as spaces for orderly administration of justice. The association reaffirmed its commitment to defending the dignity of the legal profession and the sanctity of judicial proceedings.