The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has strongly condemned the conduct of former presidential candidate and human rights activist Omoyele Sowore at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday, describing it as a serious disruption of courtroom discipline and decorum.
According to eyewitnesses, the incident unfolded when Sowore attempted to address journalists inside the courtroom, prompting a confrontation with a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN). A video circulating online showed the lawyer confronting Sowore, insisting that the courtroom was not an appropriate venue for a press briefing. Sowore, however, disagreed, reportedly saying, “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 a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by NBA President Afam Osigwe, the association expressed grave concern over the conduct, noting that while courtrooms in a constitutional democracy are open to the public, proceedings must be conducted with discipline, restraint, 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 said.
The NBA said Sowore entered the courtroom accompanied by several individuals carrying camera phones and recording equipment, and proceeded to set up what appeared to be preparations for a press conference within the courtroom itself. Members of his team attended to him in a manner akin to a broadcast setting.
According to the NBA, Sowore moved into the inner bar, sat on a table, and began addressing a range of national issues, despite his case not being listed for hearing and without the presence of any legal practitioner representing him.
The actions, the NBA noted, led to tension in the courtroom and a confrontation with SAN Musibau Adetunbi, who objected to the conduct and insisted on maintaining proper 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.
The association emphasized that 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.
While recognizing that every Nigerian has the right to attend court proceedings, the NBA clarified that such access does not extend to converting the courtroom into a platform for press briefings or any activity capable of undermining the dignity and authority of the court.
“The courtroom must remain a protected space for the orderly administration of justice and free from acts capable of intimidating legal practitioners,” the statement said.
The NBA expressed solidarity with SAN Musibau Adetunbi and other lawyers who insisted on maintaining order in the courtroom. It also called on court authorities to ensure that courtrooms are safeguarded as spaces for disciplined advocacy.
Omoyele Sowore is a former presidential candidate and prominent human rights activist in Nigeria. He is known for his advocacy on democracy, government accountability, and social justice issues. Over the years, Sowore has been involved in numerous campaigns, protests, and legal battles to highlight government policies and alleged mismanagement.
While his activism has won him national and international attention, the NBA’s statement underscores that even high-profile activists must respect courtroom rules and legal processes.
Any breach, according to analysts, can compromise proceedings and undermine public trust in judicial outcomes. In Nigeria, where public interest in high-profile cases is significant, safeguarding courtroom discipline is considered essential.
The NBA has historically played a central role in defending the legal profession and ensuring that the judiciary maintains high standards of conduct. By condemning Sowore’s actions, the association is sending a message that all individuals, regardless of status or public influence, must respect court processes.
“We will continue to defend the dignity of the legal profession and the sanctity of judicial proceedings,” the NBA said, reiterating that the courtroom must remain a place of order, respect, and disciplined advocacy.
The incident has sparked nationwide debate about the limits of activism in judicial spaces and the responsibilities of public figures when accessing courts. Observers note that balancing transparency, public engagement, and respect for legal processes is critical for Nigeria’s democratic system.
Legal practitioners have called on both activists and journalists to observe proper protocols when attending court sessions, emphasizing that any public communication should be conducted outside the courtroom unless formally sanctioned by the presiding judge.
For Sowore, the controversy highlights the need to reconcile activism with legal propriety. While advocacy and raising public awareness remain legitimate, using the courtroom as a platform for media engagement is viewed as inappropriate and potentially damaging to judicial authority.