The Nigerian Bar Association has criticised the behaviour of former presidential candidate and human rights activist Omoyele Sowore following an incident at the Federal High Court on Tuesday, describing it as a breach of courtroom decorum.
According to reports from Daily Post, tensions arose inside the courtroom when Sowore had a confrontation with a Senior Advocate of Nigeria while attempting to speak with journalists during proceedings.
A video circulating online captured the moment a lawyer challenged him, stating that the courtroom was not the right place to address the press. Sowore, however, pushed back, 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 released on Wednesday and signed by its President, Afam Osigwe, the association acknowledged that courtrooms in a constitutional democracy are open to the public to encourage transparency and trust. However, it stressed that such openness must be guided by 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 explained that Sowore entered the courtroom alongside individuals carrying recording devices and appeared to begin setting up for a press briefing within the court premises.
According to the association, members of his team attended to him “in a manner akin to a broadcast setting,” after which he moved into the inner bar, sat on a table, and began speaking on “a range of national issues,” despite the fact that his case was not scheduled for hearing and he was not accompanied by legal counsel.
The situation reportedly created tension and led to a confrontation with Musibau Adetunbi, SAN, who objected to the conduct and insisted on maintaining order in the courtroom.
“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.
It further emphasised that using a courtroom as a platform for “publicity, advocacy theatrics, or confrontation is unacceptable and inconsistent with the discipline required in judicial proceedings.”
While reiterating that Nigerians have the right to observe court proceedings, the association clarified that such access does not include turning the courtroom into a venue for press engagements or disruptive activities.
The NBA concluded by condemning Sowore’s actions and expressing support for Musibau Adetunbi and other legal practitioners who worked to uphold order.
“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 added.
The association reaffirmed its commitment to preserving the integrity of the legal profession, stressing that courtrooms must always remain environments of order, respect, and disciplined advocacy.
