By Obinna Uballa
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has strongly 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 decorum expected within the nation’s courts.
The condemnation followed an incident on Tuesday in which Sowore reportedly clashed with Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Musibau Adetunbi, after attempting to address journalists inside the courtroom.
The altercation, captured in a video that has since circulated widely online, showed Adetunbi confronting Sowore and insisting that the courtroom was not the appropriate venue for a press briefing.
Sowore, however, rejected the objection, accusing 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,” Sowore said during the exchange.
Reacting to the incident in a statement issued on Wednesday, the NBA President, Afam Osigwe, said the association viewed the development with serious concern, stressing that courtroom proceedings must be conducted with restraint, discipline, and respect for judicial authority.
While noting that courts in a constitutional democracy are open to the public to promote transparency and strengthen public confidence in the justice system, Osigwe emphasised that such openness must not be abused.
“It is against this background that the Nigerian Bar Association views with grave concern the incident involving Mr Omoyele Sowore,” the statement said.
According to the NBA, 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 premises.
The association said members of his team attended to him “in a manner akin to a broadcast setting,” suggesting preparations for a press briefing inside the courtroom.
It further alleged that Sowore moved into the inner bar, sat on a table and began speaking on various national issues, even though his case was not scheduled for hearing and he was not accompanied by a legal practitioner.
The NBA noted that the situation created tension in the courtroom and eventually led to the confrontation with Adetunbi, who objected to the conduct and insisted that the sanctity of the courtroom must be preserved.
“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 also warned against using courtrooms as platforms for publicity or activism.
“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 acknowledging that members of the public have the right to attend court proceedings, the NBA stressed that such access does not permit individuals to turn the courtroom into a stage for press briefings or activities capable of undermining the authority of the judiciary.
The association condemned Sowore’s actions and expressed solidarity with Adetunbi and other lawyers who intervened to maintain 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 statement said.
The NBA reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the dignity of the legal profession and the sanctity of judicial proceedings, stressing that courtrooms must remain spaces defined by order, respect, and disciplined advocacy.
