The Nigerian Bar Association has condemned Omoyele Sowore for his conduct during a confrontation at the Federal High Court in Abuja, describing his actions as a serious breach of courtroom decorum.
The incident, which quickly circulated on social media, occurred when Sowore attempted to address journalists inside the courtroom. This prompted a heated exchange with Musibau Adetunbi, who objected, stressing that the courtroom is not an appropriate venue for media briefings and highlighting the need to maintain 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 a statement issued by its president, Afam Osigwe, the NBA expressed “grave concern” over the incident. While courtrooms in a democracy are open to the public to promote transparency, the NBA stressed that such access must be exercised with discipline, restraint, and respect for the authority of the court.
The association noted that Sowore entered the courtroom with individuals carrying recording equipment, appearing to prepare for a press briefing. He reportedly moved into the inner bar, sat on a table, and began speaking on various national issues. At the time, his case was not scheduled for hearing, and he was not accompanied by legal counsel, raising further concerns about the propriety of his actions.
The NBA described the behaviour as unacceptable, warning that any act undermining the dignity of the court, intimidating lawyers, or disrupting proceedings is a serious affront to the rule of law. It emphasised that courtrooms must not be turned into stages for publicity or advocacy theatrics.
While acknowledging the public’s right to observe court proceedings, the NBA reiterated that this right does not extend to activities that compromise judicial authority, expressing full support for Adetunbi and other legal practitioners who insisted on maintaining order.
