The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has criticised the conduct of former presidential candidate and activist, Omoyele Sowore, at the Federal High Court in Abuja, describing his actions as disruptive and inconsistent with the standards expected within a courtroom.
The association’s reaction followed an incident on Tuesday in which Sowore reportedly had a heated exchange with Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Musibau Adetunbi, after attempting to address journalists inside the courtroom.
The altercation, which was captured in a video circulating online, showed Adetunbi challenging Sowore over his attempt to speak to the press within the courtroom, insisting that such a venue was inappropriate for a press briefing.
In response, Sowore rejected the objection and accused the senior lawyer of attempting to intimidate him.
“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.
Reacting to the development in a statement issued on Wednesday, the NBA President, Afam Osigwe, said the association viewed the incident with serious concern, stressing that courtrooms must remain spaces of order, discipline, and respect.
Osigwe acknowledged that the judicial process in a constitutional democracy requires that courtrooms remain open to the public in order to ensure transparency and maintain public confidence in the justice system.
However, he emphasised that such openness must be balanced with strict adherence to courtroom decorum.
“It is against this background that the Nigerian Bar Association views with grave concern the incident involving Mr Omoyele Sowore,” the statement said.
The NBA alleged that Sowore entered the courtroom accompanied by individuals carrying camera phones and recording equipment and appeared to be preparing to address the media from within the court.
According to the association, members of his team arranged themselves around him in what resembled a broadcast set-up.
It further stated that Sowore subsequently moved into the inner bar area, sat on a table, and began commenting on national issues even though his case was not scheduled for hearing.
The NBA noted that he was also not accompanied by a legal practitioner at the time.
The development, the association said, created tension in the courtroom and eventually led to the confrontation with Adetunbi, who objected to the conduct and insisted on maintaining the dignity of the court.
“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.
The association further warned that turning a courtroom into a platform for publicity or activism undermines the seriousness of judicial proceedings.
“The use of the 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 noting that Nigerians have the right to attend court proceedings, the NBA stressed that such access does not extend to converting courtrooms into venues for media engagements or activities capable of eroding the authority of the judiciary.
The association condemned the incident and expressed solidarity with Adetunbi and other lawyers who sought to restore order during the confrontation.
It also urged court authorities to take steps to safeguard the courtroom environment from actions capable of intimidating legal practitioners or disrupting the administration of justice.
The NBA reaffirmed its commitment to defending the dignity of the legal profession and preserving the sanctity of judicial proceedings, noting that the courtroom must remain a place defined by respect, order, and disciplined advocacy.
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