Courtrooms Not for Publicity, NBA Slams Sowore Over Press Briefing Attempt

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has strongly criticised activist Omoyele Sowore following a disruption at the Federal High Court in Abuja, describing his conduct as a threat to courtroom decorum and the rule of law. The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, drew widespread attention after a video surfaced showing Sowore engaged in a heated exchange […]

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has strongly criticised activist Omoyele Sowore following a disruption at the Federal High Court in Abuja, describing his conduct as a threat to courtroom decorum and the rule of law.

The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, drew widespread attention after a video surfaced showing Sowore engaged in a heated exchange with a senior advocate, Musibau Adetunbi, inside the courtroom.

The confrontation reportedly began when Sowore attempted to address journalists within the court premises.

Adetunbi objected to the move, citing established courtroom procedures.

However, Sowore maintained that there was no violation, arguing that the judge had not yet taken the bench and that the space remained accessible.

The disagreement quickly escalated into a tense standoff, with both parties contesting the boundaries of public engagement within judicial environments.

Order was eventually restored when a court official intervened, urging restraint as proceedings were set to commence.

Reacting to the development, the NBA, in a statement issued by its president, Afam Osigwe, expressed “grave concern” over the episode, stressing that courtrooms must be preserved as spaces of dignity and order.

“Courtrooms are solemn spaces dedicated to the administration of justice. Any conduct that undermines the dignity of the court constitutes a grave affront to the rule of law,” the statement read.

The association further warned against turning court premises into platforms for media engagement or advocacy displays, describing such actions as inappropriate and unacceptable.

It emphasised that while members of the public have the right to observe court proceedings, such access does not permit activities that could disrupt judicial processes.

“Public access to the courts does not extend to converting the courtroom into a platform for press briefings,” the NBA stated.

Reaffirming its position, the body condemned Sowore’s actions and declared its support for legal practitioners who insisted on maintaining professional standards during the incident.

“The NBA therefore condemns Mr. Sowore’s disruption of the courtroom environment and expresses solidarity with Musibau Adetunbi (SAN), and all lawyers who insisted on maintaining decorum,” the statement added.

The association also called on relevant authorities to safeguard courtrooms from conduct capable of undermining the administration of justice or intimidating those carrying out their legal duties.