The Nigerian Bar Association has strongly condemned activist and politician Omoyele Sowore over what it described as a disruption of courtroom proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja, warning that judicial spaces must not be turned into platforms for media engagements.
In a statement issued by its President, Afam Osigwe, the association expressed “grave concern” over the incident, which occurred on March 24, 2026, when Sowore reportedly entered the courtroom accompanied by individuals carrying recording devices and appeared to prepare for a press briefing within the court premises.
According to the NBA, Sowore “proceeded to set up what appeared to be preparations for a press conference within the courtroom itself,” with members of his entourage attending to him in a manner resembling a broadcast setting. The statement added that he later moved into the inner bar, sat on a table, and began addressing “a range of national issues,” despite the fact that his case was not scheduled for hearing.
The situation reportedly escalated into a confrontation with Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Musibau Adetunbi, who objected to the conduct and insisted on maintaining courtroom decorum. The NBA noted that the episode created tension within the courtroom environment.
“The courtroom exists solely for adjudication, and its openness cannot be stretched to permit activities unrelated to that purpose,” Osigwe stated, emphasising that while court proceedings are public, access must be exercised within the bounds of discipline and respect for judicial authority.
He further stressed that “any conduct that undermines the dignity of the court, intimidates legal practitioners, or disrupts proceedings constitutes a grave affront to the rule of law,” adding that the use of courtrooms for “publicity, advocacy theatrics, or confrontation is unacceptable.”
The NBA reaffirmed that every Nigerian, including Sowore, has the right to attend court proceedings, but cautioned that such rights do not extend to turning courtrooms into venues for press briefings or activities capable of undermining the authority of the judiciary.
The association also expressed solidarity with Adetunbi and other legal practitioners present during the incident, commending their insistence on preserving the sanctity of the courtroom. It called on court authorities to take necessary steps to ensure that judicial spaces remain protected and free from acts that could intimidate lawyers or disrupt proceedings.
“The courtroom must remain a place of order, respect, disciplined advocacy, and responsible public access, not spectacle, confrontation, or disorder,” Osigwe said.
