The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has condemned the conduct of former presidential candidate and activist, Omoyele Sowore, at the Federal High Court in Abuja, describing it as a disruption of courtroom decorum.
The association made its position known in a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by its President, Afam Osigwe.
The reaction followed an incident on Tuesday at the Federal High Court in Abuja, where Sowore reportedly clashed with a Senior Advocate of Nigeria while attempting to address journalists inside the courtroom.
A video circulating online showed the senior lawyer confronting Sowore and insisting that the courtroom was not an appropriate venue for a press briefing.
Responding, Sowore said, “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 its statement, the NBA said that although courtrooms in a constitutional democracy are open to the public to promote transparency, proceedings must be conducted with 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 accompanied by individuals carrying camera phones and recording equipment.
According to the NBA, Sowore and members of his team appeared to prepare for a press conference inside the courtroom.
The statement said he “proceeded to set up what appeared to be preparations for a press conference within the courtroom itself.”
The association added that members of his team attended to him “in a manner akin to a broadcast setting,” after which he reportedly moved into the inner bar, sat on a table, and began addressing national issues.
It noted that Sowore’s case was not listed for a hearing and that he was not accompanied by any legal practitioner at the time.
The NBA said the situation created tension in the courtroom and resulted in a confrontation with Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Musibau Adetunbi, who objected to the development and insisted on maintaining 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.
The association further stressed that courtrooms should not be used as platforms for publicity or advocacy campaigns.
“The use of a courtroom as a venue for publicity, advocacy theatrics, or confrontation is unacceptable and inconsistent with the discipline required in judicial proceedings,” the statement added.
While acknowledging that Nigerians have the right to attend court proceedings, the NBA said such access does not include turning courtrooms into venues for press briefings.
The NBA also expressed support for Adetunbi and other legal practitioners who insisted on maintaining order during the incident.
“We also call on court authorities to ensure that courtrooms remain protected spaces for the orderly administration of justice and free from acts capable of intimidating legal practitioners,” the association said.
It added that it remains committed to defending the dignity of the legal profession and the sanctity of judicial proceedings.