- The Nigerian Bar Association condemned Omoyele Sowore’s actions at the Federal High Court, describing them as disruptive to courtroom decorum
- Sowore clashed with Senior Advocate Musibau Adetunbi after attempting to address journalists inside the courtroom
- The NBA stressed that courtrooms must remain disciplined spaces and warned against using them for publicity or advocacy theatrics
The Nigerian Bar Association has strongly condemned the conduct of activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore following a confrontation at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday, describing his actions as a disruption of courtroom decorum.
The incident, which has since gained traction on social media, reportedly unfolded when Sowore attempted to address journalists inside the courtroom. A video circulating online showed a heated exchange between him and Musibau Adetunbi, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), who objected to the activist’s decision to use the courtroom as a venue for a press briefing.
Adetunbi insisted that the courtroom was not an appropriate setting for media engagements, emphasising the need to uphold the dignity of judicial proceedings. Sowore, however, rejected the criticism, accusing the senior lawyer of intimidation and questioning the relevance of his professional title in the exchange.
In a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by its President, Afam Osigwe, the NBA expressed “grave concern” over the incident. The association reiterated that while courtrooms in a constitutional democracy are open to the public to promote transparency and confidence in the justice system, such openness must be balanced with discipline, restraint and respect for judicial authority.
According to the NBA, Sowore entered the courtroom accompanied by individuals carrying recording equipment and appeared to prepare for a press conference. The association noted that members of his team attended to him in a manner resembling a broadcast setting, after which he reportedly moved into the inner bar, sat on a table, and began addressing a range of national issues.
The NBA further pointed out that Sowore’s case was not listed for hearing at the time and that he was not accompanied by legal counsel, raising additional concerns about the propriety of his actions. The situation reportedly created tension within the courtroom and led to the confrontation with Adetunbi.
Describing the conduct as unacceptable, the NBA stated that any behaviour capable of undermining the dignity of the court, intimidating legal practitioners or disrupting proceedings constitutes a serious affront to the rule of law. It stressed that courtrooms must not be converted into platforms for publicity or advocacy theatrics.
While acknowledging the right of Nigerians to attend court proceedings, the association emphasised that such access does not extend to activities that compromise the authority of the court. The NBA also expressed solidarity with Adetunbi and other legal practitioners who insisted on maintaining order.
The body called on court authorities to ensure that courtrooms remain protected environments dedicated to the orderly administration of justice. It reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the integrity of the legal profession and maintaining the sanctity of judicial proceedings.